Agriculture Advisory Council

The Agriculture Advisory Council (AgAC) was established in the spring of 2024 and is comprised of 19  members from the Utah Farm Bureau Federation.  Agriculture plays a key role in Utah’s Colorado River allocation. Approximately 62% of Colorado River water use in Utah is for agriculture. For a century and a half, Utah's farmers have been stewards of our water resources. They have constructed reservoirs and canals, excavated ditches, and prepared land to maximize the beneficial use of water. By working together, we can ensure that water rights are protected, efficiently used, and strategically managed to benefit both the agricultural community and the broader needs of the state.

Co-Chair: Steve Hanberg- Steve owns and operates a farm in Uintah County. He has worked in the oil and gas industry and has owned an irrigation supply company. He serves as Trustee for Central Utah Water Conservation District, Associated Water Users, Ouray Park Irrigation Company, Uintah Conservation District, and Utah Farm Bureau. Steve earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Utah State University.

Cody Wilkins Cody runs cattle in Utah and Wyoming. He is based in Jensen Utah, where his family has ranched for 5 generations. He owns a trucking company that serves both local and domestic routes. He serves as Trustee for Uintah Cattleman's Association, Utah Farm Bureau, and the Northeastern GIP Board.

Shane Rowley - Shane has been engaged in various aspects and capacities of production Agriculture his entire life.  He has served in multiple agricultural leadership roles including Duchesne County Cattleman’s President, Duchesne County Farm Bureau President, Utah Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Committee, and the American Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer & Rancher Committee. Shane has been and continues to be involved in promoting agriculture and educating others about the vital role it plays in providing quality of life for the citizens of Utah.  Water is the cornerstone of agriculture’s success in Utah.  Shane understands just how important water conservation and management are to the future success and security of Utah’s citizens.  He and his family ranch in Duchesne County and live in Altonah, Utah.

Dave Evans- Dave is a respected figure in Duchesne County's agricultural community. He combines practical ranching experience with a strong academic foundation in natural resource management. A graduate of Utah State University, Mr. Evans was recognized as both Undergraduate Researcher of the Year and Student of the Year in 2006. He has owned and operated Lusty Cattle Company since 1986 while actively contributing to local organizations such as the Duchesne County Conservation District and Farm Bureau. Mr. Evans is committed to responsible land stewardship.

Gayle McKeachnie- Born and raised in the Uintah Basin, Gayle is a renowned lawyer specializing in water rights. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah College of Law and has dedicated his career to water-related legal issues, representing numerous irrigation companies and water districts. His expertise extends to financing and constructing water infrastructure projects, including water lines, storage tanks, and treatment plants.  Gsyle's influence extends to the political arena, having served in the Utah House of Representatives, where he championed legislation on water conservation, education, and economic development. He has also held prominent positions on various boards and commissions, including the Utah State Constitutional Revision Commission and the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands (SITLA) Board.  A respected figure in Utah's legal and political landscape, Gayle has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Lawyer of the Year award from the Utah State Bar Association and recognition for his contributions to Utah School Trust Land law and Federal Mineral Lease Money Law. His commitment to public service is further evidenced by his role as Lieutenant Governor of Utah and advisor to Governor Jon M. Huntsman Jr.

Brett Holmes

Brian Peterson

Calvin Crandall

Dorrell Barker

Dusty Huntington

Gordon Moon

Jaron Hansen

Lynn Swenson

Rodger Ames

Shane Frost

Steven Tew

Trent Potter

Troy Rindlisbacher

Tyson Murray

Agriculture Advisory Council 2025 Objectives

  1. Demonstrate to the Authority Board the continued importance of agriculture to Utah, especially to its rural communities.
  2. Help identify and create opportunities for the agricultural sector to actively participate in cost-effective water conservation efforts.
  3. While recognizing that agriculture uses the majority of diverted water in Utah and that we will be expected to find ways to make some of that water available for other uses, we will continue to boldly and proudly advocate for agriculture’s vital role in our economy and communities.
  4. Identify ways to share what we learn about the current challenges related to the Colorado River system with our peers and community members

2025 Recommendations to the Board

 1. Protection of Established Water Rights - Uphold and safeguard existing water rights, recognizing their legal and historical significance.

 2. Voluntary Water Use Reduction Programs - Implement water use reduction initiatives that are:

  • Strictly voluntary
  • Temporary in nature
  • Fairly compensated
  • Ensure that underlying water rights remain protected throughout the process

 3. Colorado River Water Allocation - Maintain the focus of Colorado River water management on addressing its own critical issues. Given the existing challenges, avoid redirecting Colorado River water to the Great Salt Lake.

 4. Protect All Water Users - When implementing water leasing or sale programs, ensure that other users within the same water system are not adversely affected.

 5. Transparent Water Rights Transactions - For any water rights purchases, including "buy and dry" scenarios:

  • Ensure full transparency and honesty in all transactions
  • Conduct negotiations between willing buyers and willing sellers only
  • Prohibit the use or threat of condemnation in these transactions

 6. Acknowledge and Defend the Essential Nature of Agriculture in Utah’s Economy and Society - We would urge Authority board members to familiarize themselves with the key facts and principles included in the concurrent resolution passed by the Utah state legislature in 2022 which recognizes the importance of the agriculture industry in the state of Utah.