The Cross E Ranch & Hinckley Farm Story

WHERE DOES OUR NAME, CROSS E RANCH, COME FROM?
Our name comes from the brand we use on our cattle, +E.  This brand is one of the oldest brands west of the Mississippi! The Jeremy Family, well known in Utah, was the first to own the brand and they used it for over a century. David Hinckley began leasing the farm from Tom Jeremy in the 1960’s where he leased both Jeremy’s land and his cows.  It was terribly hard work farming on these alkali flats and taking on an old herd of cows.  You see, the Jeremys were sheep herders, not cattlemen, and they did not have good cows.  Regardless, Dave was able to help Tom by actually making him a little money on his old cows.  Dave loved to work and he worked non-stop building his cow operation.  Tom Jeremy, who didn’t have any sons, looked to Dave for his expertise and drive and Dave became like a son to him.  They worked many years together.  In the Seventies Dave had the opportunity to finally buy his own herd of cattle.  Tom helped him to finance the purchase and for that kindness, Dave told Tom he would use his brand and keep it going strong.  Dave Hinckley continued to work hard and created one of the best herds of Angus cattle around this area.  We continue to use the cross E brand today.  It is one of sentiment and meaning to our family.  We love Cross E Ranch!

THE HINCKLEY FAMILY
In 1867, Brigham Young, president of the LDS church, commissioned our 2 times Great-Grandfather Ira N. Hinckley, to build a fort in Millard County, Utah. The fort would sit half way between Salt Lake City and St. George Utah to provide a safe place for travelers to stop and rest. This place was called Cove Fort. Ira became a well known figure in Millard County and after the fort was no longer used, the family found themselves farming the fertile soil set near the Sevier River in nearby Bloomington, Utah. In 1891, the name Bloomington was dropped and replaced with the name Hinckley in honor of Ira. The Hinckley family lived and farmed in Hinckley for many years. To this very day, Hinckley, Utah is still considered a farming oasis.

Fast forward to 1934. Alonzo Arza Hinckley, son of Ira, was called as a member of the quorum of the 12 apostles in the LDS church and found himself moving from Millard County to Salt Lake City. His children, who were adults by then, followed him to the city. Two of his sons, Rulon and Arza, purchased and farmed all of the ground that is now the Salt Lake City airport. These brothers were the first to raise and breed pure-bred black Angus cattle in Utah and ran a very successful operation.

Rulon's son, and our father, David Hinckley, began farming as a young boy. He loved farming! You could say it was in his blood. As a young man he left the farm and set out to chase his dreams but the farm never left his heart. As soon as he got a chance, he returned to his boyhood farm and began his career as a rancher. 

David Hinckley farmed the Utah soil for over 40 years. He was a one of a kind farmer and person and everyone who knew him loved him. He possessed enough optimism and energy for 10 people! Dave passed away in May of 2014. We hope to continue his legacy and the legacy of those in our family who farmed before us. We are now 5th and 6th generation farmers in Utah and we are thankful every day for our dad and grandpa, Dave, who carried on his family's legacy. We hope to honor him by carrying on that legacy and sharing our family's love of farming with those around us. We are so grateful to have this farm and cattle ranch. Thanks Dad! 

OUR FARM IN 2023
Farming in the city poses many challenges but we are ready for those challenges!  We know it is important for people to have a connection with agriculture.  We need to know and teach our children where our food comes from.  We want to keep farming and share with others why it is important.  Everyone loves the feeling of being on the farm; it is peaceful and feels natural.  We want everyone to be a part of that!  This year we will be sharing the best time of year with you…the harvest.  When the harvest is over the fun begins!  We have worked so hard all year and now it is time to enjoy.  Our fall festival will be a place to have some fun because the work has been done.  From our family to yours we hope you love Cross E Ranch!