Erin + Whitt Sorenson
Where Are They Now? | July 2023 | By Ashley Butler
Meet Erin + Whitt Sorenson,
Alumni from the Mt. Nebo (Erin) and Gunnison Valley (Whitt) FFA chapters, who served the Utah FFA Association consecutive years as the 04-05 State Sentinel (Whitt) + 05-06 State President (Erin), actually met as high school freshman while both were participating in the creed speaking LDE. After seeing each other throughout the years, Erin says the rest is history, and now while Whitt works for IFA, they also own a small family sheep ranch, where they advocate for the agriculture industry through their account on social media and share their lifestyle, recipes and products from the ranch.
Both Erin + Whitt both grew up in ag families. Whitt's family are sheep producers, while Erin grew up on a cattle ranch. To say that they are both passionate about the industry would be an understatement. It’s no surprise then that they wanted to raise their kids the same way, so they started their own sheep operation; Sorenson Sheep Co.
“To say our beginnings were humble is an understatement,” Erin says .
Whitt built their first corral panels in the driveway of the trailer they were living in as newlyweds, and because they couldn't afford stock in the beginning, they made an arrangement to trade cull ewes and return buck lambs to Whitt’s grandfather. Erin + Whitt have had sheep since they were married in 2006, with their business growing, and evolving since then.
“We didn't get serious about growing our herd and marketing for ourselves until about 2016. We were able to stop trading stock with his grandfather and started being able to purchase our own genetics and build on what we had.”
They started selling meat lambs in 2020, and instead of selling live animals that the customer had to process, they decided to handle all processing and delivery, as well as share recipes and ideas with their customers on how to use the lamb in their home.
The latest addition to their business is almost 2 years old now and still developing; and it all started from a check.
“I got our wool check one day, and to be frank, it made me angry. It was so small and didn't cover even 1/10th of the cost of getting the sheep sheared and I knew there had to be a better way,” Erin says.
Now they get their wool processed at a local fiber mill and Erin uses it to make home decor, air fresheners, yarns and roving. All of which she advertises on their social media account @sorensonsheepco where they also use the platform to advocate for agriculture.
“Advocating helps present solutions in addition to education and we should be helping to mold the legislation, policies, and opinions that surround our industry.”
A highlight for the Sorenson’s and one of the things they enjoy most about their sheep ranch, is that it’s a family operation.
“Our kids are very involved. They help us vaccinate, herd, feed, lamb, and do chores. There are days they love it and days they don't and that's okay, I feel the same way if I'm being honest. For the most part I think work and accomplishing hard things is the only way to build confidence in children and farming and ranching is the best tool in my box for giving them those life lessons. Plus we connect a lot when we unplug, get outside, and work as a family.”
When asked what role the FFA played in helping the Sorenson’s get where they are today they said,
Whitt: Met Layne Anderson of IFA in a scholarship interview. That interview later turned into a now nine year career as a salesman for the agronomy department at the Delta IFA where he services an area that spans from Central Nevada to Tooele.
Erin: “I learned very early in my FFA career that my success and failure depend upon my ability to work. It is a skill that has served me well. I currently work for our school district doing Work Based Learning helping students navigate to their future career through CTE education, pathways, and internships. I love it! My passion for this type of education came from my own experiences in FFA, it just feels like it has come full circle.”
When asked what advice they would give to a high school student that is considering joining FFA, they said,
“Just do it. FFA has a unique ability to really strengthen a students soft skills, leadership, and personal growth. Whether it be joining for the relationships, the contests, the leadership, or the passion for ag, there is something there for everyone,”
As alumni, Erin + Whitt have both continued to give back to the organization at both a state and local level.
“We have served as judges for multiple local, area, and state judging contests. We have helped prep multiple state officer candidates, discussion meet contestants, and have given feedback on more applications that we can count over the years.”
While the Sorenson’s are still very much involved with FFA, Erin also believes in the importance of moving forward.
“We have transitioned from FFA to Farm Bureau and I think it is so important to find the rooms and organizations that help you use the skills of FFA to launch to the next step. It doesn't have to be Farm Bureau but don't stop growing and seeking opportunities once you leave FFA. FFA is the launchpad not the end.”
When asked why they are so passionate about the agriculture industry, they said,
“We grow passion for things that form us and shape us, agriculture has done that for both of us.”