Hopkin Appointed Director of Grazing Improvement Program

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announces the appointment of William J. (Bill) Hopkin as the Director of the Department's new Grazing Improvement Program (GIP). Hopkin will head the newly created program beginning today. The GIP program is a new initiative introduced by Commissioner Leonard Blackham aimed at improving livestock range conditions.

"I am excited at the prospect of leading this new program that means so much to Utah's rural communities," said Hopkin. "I am honored to be part of Commissioner Blackham's forward-moving team to improve resource health and agricultural stability," he added.

The GIP program is receiving widespread support throughout the livestock industry for its goal to improve Utah’s soils, forage and watersheds. The program is also intended to boost Utah's rural economies in a sustainable fashion. The Utah Legislature supported GIP by passing the Rangeland Improvement Act, and appropriating funds to facilitate the program.

"I can think of no other individual who has such a thorough understanding of Utah's range, wildlife and livestock relationships than Bill Hopkin, "said Commissioner Blackham. "He is a true asset to our department and to Utah's livestock industry," he added.
Hopkin is the former manager of the sprawling Deseret Land & Livestock ranch (DLL) in Rich County.

During his 21 year career at DLL the ranch team implemented long-term resource management plans that doubled the cattle production while improving the abundance and diversity of wildlife. Perhaps DLL’s most profound accomplishment during the 80’s and 90’s was increasing net profit by 400 percent while simultaneously growing the “at risk” sage grouse population by six fold. The ranch is recognized by the Audubon Society as an "important bird area" where more than 275 species reside. According to Hopkin, “This magnitude of success is accomplished through good people working together toward a common goal; the same will be true for the GIP. I am convinced that we can create increased financial, social and ecological wealth through wise stewardship.”

Hopkin was born and raised on the family ranch in Woodruff, Rich County, Utah. During his high school and college days he worked on the ranch gaining valuable experience and knowledge from his older brother Stuart. After acquiring a degree in biology from Weber State College, Bill taught science at South Rich High School until he went to work for DLL.