Valjay Rigby, the President of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, testified before the Senate on Aug. 5, 2026, calling for a reduction in regulatory burdens to help preserve family farms. Rigby's testimony was part of a Senate session titled "The Next 250: Small Businesses Leading the Way," which focused on the economic impact of small enterprises.
Advocating for Agricultural Interests
The Senate event, held at the Russell Senate Office Building, featured a panel of witnesses discussing the importance of small business leadership. Rigby, a fifth-generation farmer from Newton in Cache County, joined a diverse group of speakers to represent the agricultural sector's interests.
Rigby's appearance highlighted the intersection of agricultural sustainability and legislative policy. As a leader for the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, his testimony sought to address how current regulations affect the viability of multi-generational farming operations. His background includes farming approximately 1,500 acres of alfalfa, safflower, and small grains, alongside a beef cattle herd, on land that was part of an original family homestead.
Diverse Panel of Witnesses
The Senate panel included several other business leaders from across the country. Among the witnesses were Dr. Ajay "AJ" P. Malshe, CEO of Arkwright Space from West Lafayette, Indiana, and Lorena Cantarovici, the owner and founder of Maria Empanada from Denver, Colorado.
Other speakers included Nikki High, owner of Octavia’s Bookshelf from Pasadena, California. The session aimed to examine how small businesses drive economic growth and the challenges they face in a modern regulatory environment.
Farm Bureau Leadership Structure
The Utah Farm Bureau Federation, represented by Rigby, manages a leadership structure designed to serve various agricultural districts across the state. Rigby's role as President follows a long history of leadership within the organization.
According to the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, the organization's Board of Directors includes representatives from numerous districts. For example, the board includes Tyson Roberts, the Vice President, who has served as a produce farmer in Layton since 1992. Other board members include Chris Chambers, a cattle rancher from Smithfield, and Kenny McFarland, a produce farmer from West Weber, who was elected to the State Board of Directors in November 2025.
Regional Representation
The leadership of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation includes a wide array of agricultural professionals. For instance, Russ Kohler, representing District 4, is a dairy farmer and cheesemaker from Midway in Wasatch County. He has previously served as the national chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee.
Cody Wilkins, representing District 5, is a fifth-generation cattle rancher from Jensen. He manages approximately 1,700 acres and raises multiple crops, including alfalfa, grain corn, and silage corn. Wilkins also serves on the Uintah County Cattleman's Association Board and the Colorado River Authority of Utah Ag Advisory Board.
Committee and Specialized Roles
The organization's leadership also extends to specialized committees. Dot Jensen serves as the chair of the State Women's Committee and has been an active member of the Utah Farm Bureau for over 30 years. She has focused much of her time on Farm Safety Programs and the 4-H sheep community in Box Elder County.
Additionally, Clayton Rindlisbacher and Dakota Rindlisbacher serve as the chairs of the State Young Farmer & Rancher Committee, a position they were elected to in November 2025. Dustin Cox, a cattle rancher and agritourism operator from Kane County, serves as the chair of the Promotions & Education Committee, having been elected in November 2024.
Legislative Outlook
The Senate session provided a platform for agricultural leaders to connect regulatory reform directly to the survival of family-run operations. By emphasizing the need to reduce burdens, Rigby aimed to ensure that the legacy of multi-generational farming remains a cornerstone of Utah's economy.
Statewide Agricultural Presence
The Utah Farm Bureau Federation maintains a presence across the state, with directors representing districts ranging from the northern border to the southern regions. This includes representation for District 7, which encompasses Beaver, Kane, Iron, Millard, and Washington counties, currently served by Jared Buhler, who operates Jared Buhler Family Farms in Millard County.
Other board members include Trevor Barnson, a second-generation cattle rancher from Piute County, and Janae Titmus, a sheep rancher from Tooele County, who was elected to the board in November 2024.
