When told of his selection for this honor for the Ogden Pioneer Days rodeo, John replied, “I thought this was for old guys, not a young buck like me.” This recognition for the National Day of the American Cowboy is for those who embody the spirit and tradition of the American cowboy. John and Sheila Lemon own a hay and cattle ranch. Part is the original homestead of John’s great-grandfather, John Carid Lemon, one of the first settlers along Ferron Creek. The work and sacrifices of his ancestors allows him to be the fourth generation of family on this land. Parents, Ralph and Arlene Lemon, raised John on a dairy and beef operation. John’s passion was for ranching and cowboying more than milking cows. He spent much of his time with his grandfather, Arthur Lemon.
John got his start as a rancher when he bought cows, permit, and a farm, later buying the family farm and ranching full time, expanding his herd to more than 300 head. John and Sheila spend much of their time horseback and enjoy western cowboy traditions, trailing cows 20 miles to the mountain for summer pasture; gathering and trailing them home in the fall; and after weaning, trailing them to the desert winter range. The help of family and friends in the cattle drives and cow work preserve this heritage.
Sheila is usually on horseback or the tractor, but somehow finds time to keep alive the western tradition of hospitality and home grown, preserved, and cooked meals, generously sharing her delicious cooking and beautiful crochet work. Despite hard work and long hours, John and Sheila feel blessed with this
Local ranchers receive recognition
"John and Sheila Lemon ride the winter range with their dog."