October 2025
From the family and friends who lend a hand during branding time to the people and businesses that share common ground with ranching and farming, we’ll be examining what it really takes to keep rural lands and communities thriving and healthy with this year’s Gathering theme, “A Cow Town State of Mind.” This month, we asked the cowboy poets a question that gets at the heart of just that—and we’re opening the question up to all of you too!:
Tell us about one living person who, in a small or large way, in a tangible or an inspirational way, supports your life and work in agriculture?
The catch: this time around, choose a person who is not in your family and who is not a part of your crew/operation, but who is part of your “Cow Town State of Mind” community alongside your family and crew.
In the cow town spirit, we also want to hear from you! Hit the button* and tell us your one person who supports or inspires your ag life. See the cowboy poets’ responses below.
*We may use your responses in print, online, or on our social media, so be sure to let us know your name (or if you’d prefer to stay anonymous!)
Renowned cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell is enjoying a well-deserved retirement. Waddie, we thank you for all your contributions! A new columnist is jumping on to the Ask a Cowboy Poet Crew. Welcome to fifth-generation rancher and cowboy poet from the West Desert of Utah, Darrell Holden!
Dick gibford:
Old Dave
My old friend Dave
Is a jack of all trades
He can pack a mule
Shoe a horse
Work on a truck engine too
He's a hunter, a guide
A good man to have on your side
When I have too much work to do,
I can pick up the phone and call
And he's here at cow camp
In no time at all
It's amazing all the work that gets done
When old Dave comes.
I wrote this poem about my old friend Dave who is retired now and loves these mountains and potreros as much as I do. It's hard to get good help when I am so remote, and I think his wife likes him coming to camp with me, because then she can get a lot more done too!
Bill Lowman:
JoAnn’s and my ag banker Eddie D., by all means. He's a very good listener with a calm and cool head before he offers us his advice. He values our work ethics and honesty, inspiring him to do his best for our success, which in turn works for him as well.
Darrell holden:
My circle of influence is vast and it’s deep. So many great people taught me about ranching and poetry, and were patient with me as I learned. And a lot of them were family members and super close friends. So, when you ask me for a person outside of that circle of friends and family, I had to give it some thought.
In my work as a rancher, I have a lot of great peers I really look up to. I work as a member of Utah Cattlemen's Association board, and I get to meet and associate with ranchers throughout the state and the West.
Our executive vice president is Brent Tanner. He has worked as an advocate for Utah ranchers for decades. He spends so much time on our behalf, working with legislators on agricultural laws and regulations. He is well versed in all aspects of raising cattle and has deep ranching roots. He inspires me to educate myself on issues. To step up and serve in leadership. To work to educate an ever increasingly urban state as to how ranching families benefit from issues like open lands, conservation, rural community strength, and where their beef comes from. He has battled a serious health issue and he rarely even slows down. He leads the charge to advocate for ranching. And his grit and determination has been contagious. It inspires me to be better as a rancher, and as a man. His resilience makes me try harder. I sure think the world of this fine man. And I am a better rancher because I know him.
As for poetry, there's a cattle-truckload of fine people who have mentored me and encouraged me. Picking one is about impossible because they are all friends of mine now. But if we want to be the best at anything, we have to surround ourselves with the best! While I will never look at poetry as a competition, getting to listen and watch and learn from the best in the genre makes me better as a poet. So here's a short list of those I admire and respect and appreciate for their incredible talents—Joel Nelson, Chris Isaacs, Brenn Hill, Waddie Mitchell, Trinity Seely, Ryan Fritz, Jonathan Odermann, Terry Nash, Annie Mackenzie, Andy Hedges, Andy Nelson, Matt Robertson.... This list is endless. I guess what I am trying to say is to never stop striving to be better. In your vocation and in your work as a poet or musician. The work I put in will equal the results I get. The same will hold true for you.
Lastly, be an inspiration and mentor to those you are able to. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Stay humble and be willing to give back to those who follow. We have huge boots to fill to continue this legacy, as ranchers and as artists. If we give our best, I bet ya it will be enough. Thank you to all those people I love who have shown me the way. Thank you for asking me to answer questions. I'll sure do my best to give meaningful, thoughtful, truthful answers.
When in doubt, dig a spur!
annie mackenzie:
This is a tough one. Not only because there are so many many people who have supported my life and work in agriculture, but also I have such a big family I'm related to most of the buggers!
One person who immediately popped into my head is my neighbor, Amy Dufferena. Amy has always been one of my biggest supporters. No matter what I'm doing, she always gives me positive feedback and advice. She's also an incredible role model that I can look up to. I don't think I'll ever be half the woman that she is, but even if I only manage to be a quarter, I will be doing pretty dang good. She's an amazing mother, wife, ranch hand, and anything else she decides she's going to do that day. Amy is always fun to be around and to work with, and I look forward to the days I get to work alongside her. She's not technically family, but I feel like I gained another sister the day that we met. Even during my darkest days, Amy has brought light into my life, and I am so incredibly grateful to call her my friend and a part of my "Cow Town State of Mind” community.
