People know this area of Utah for one thing: outdoor recreation.  With all the national and state parks, in addition to national monuments, it’s easy to forget about the other part of what makes this area: agriculture.  I’ve found a hidden spot or two which really brings out this secondary industry.  Today I’m featuring one such place with animal out to pasture.

This part of Utah was originally settled by the Mormon Pioneers.  When they settled, they started taming the land for agriculture.  This industry continues to keep the area going in addition to the much bigger industry of outdoor seasonal tourism.  If you look in the right places, you will find farms and ranches all over the place.

Farms and ranches can be quite picturesque.  All you need is the right combination of elements in front of you.  Then, you’ve got the makings of a beautiful landscape photograph showing the touch of human hands.  I’ve been working on adding a few more of these kinds of photos to my portfolio lately.

The cliffs and mesas of the area can make for some incredible backdrops for landscape photos featuring farming.  I found one such spot lately and didn’t hesitate to set up my tripod and get the shot.  I was there at the right time to capture the aspen light crossing into twilight in front of me and on the edge of the rock formations.

While I wish that I had photographed it while the leaves were out, I still ended up with a beautiful setting with cows grazing.  Perhaps it was better this way.  It means that we get to see more of the scene with the cows out to pasture while there’s a touch of foreground with the dormant trees.