LOCAL NEWS

Eden man spends retirement ranching yaks

May 22, 2018, 10:02 PM

...

EDEN, Utah – Brett Hansen’s ranch in the Ogden Valley often attracts the attention of people passing by.

“We’ve almost had several accidents,” Hansen said. “They’ll just stop right on the road, and the people behind them have to hurry and swerve around.”

The drivers likely slow down for something they’ve never seen before: about 75 yaks. Hansen doesn’t make money on the ranch. He says it’s just something he took on for fun as part of his retirement.

Brett Hansen

“We wanted something a little different,” Hansen explained. “I grew up raising Herefords, and they were just too stupid for me.”

While it is a lot of work, he says his wife was on board with the idea, too.

“It was kind of my wife and my youngest daughter’s idea,” Hansen said. “They said it would be worth it, but I think sometimes they think I’m a little out there.”

Hansen does earn back some of his money. He sells some of the yaks he raises, and there is a small market for the fur.

“That’s just like cashmere,” Hansen said. “It’s really fine, and it’s good for spinning stuff.”

He also says some people will buy the meat.

“It’s a little sweeter than beef,” Hansen explained. “And it’s very, very low fat. For instance, you get less than half the calories in a four ounce patty of burger.”

Ellie Chambers

What might be the bigger payoff for him, however, is in how much the yaks attract the attention of Hansen’s grandchildren. Four-year-old Ellie Chambers enjoys seeing the yak calves.

“I had a yak once and it got sold,” Chambers said. “I love them so much that I always come to visit them.”

His grandchildren’s interest and simply being able to enjoy watching the animals in the field seem to be enough for Hansen for now.

“It’s just calming,” Hansen said. “Someday, I might even make money at it.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

5 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

5 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

7 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

8 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

9 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Eden man spends retirement ranching yaks