Ron Gibson, president of the Utah Farm Bureau Federation, was arrested last week on misdemeanor charges of assaulting an employee on his farm in Weber County.
Police said that after they responded, they discovered various pieces of evidence, including a video of Gibson telling workers who claimed to have not received paychecks to “shut up” before showing Gibson hitting a worker in the face.
The injured worker placed a 9-1-1 call and, according to KUTV, was transported to Ogden Regional Hospital for treatment.
Police records indicate that the 50-year-old Gibson has since been released. However, his arrest brought about further concerns, now under investigation: suspected fraud and human trafficking.
Weber County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Colby Ryan said in a statement, “We alerted the Department of Public Safety’s Special Bureau of Investigations, who has now opened up a case for fraud and trafficking.”
Following the arrest, the Utah Farm Bureau announced that Gibson would be taking a leave of absence and would be stepping away from his leadership position. While the investigation continues, Utah Farm Bureau Vice President Wade Eliason and the board of directors will lead the organization’s activities.
In the statement, Gibson apologized for his actions:
“I deeply regret the incident and apologize for allowing an argument to escalate to an altercation on my farm,” Gibson said. “I’m disappointed in myself. I have deep respect for the men and women willing to work on farms across America, including mine. I simply could not manage the farm without their help, and we wouldn’t have the abundance we do in this country without them. I am taking a leave of absence because I don’t want this personal matter to become a distraction from the important work of the federation.”
The federation further described the event and detailed how it will continue to move forward.
“Utah Farm Bureau recognizes and respects the many contributions farmworkers make in American agriculture — both local workers and those coming in from other nations — and deeply regrets how this situation may impact the role these valuable people play in our food system,” a news release said.
The Utah Farm Bureau Federation also responded to AGDAILY verifying that Gibson had officially resigned as president effective immediately an indicated that he “welcomes the investigation into the additional allegations against him.”
The UFBF also included the following statement in their most recent release:
“Treating people with respect is a core value that must not be compromised. Workers who accept positions on farms face hard work in the fields and pastures across America. They deserve our gratitude and respect. Farmers and ranchers would not be able to carry on the important role of feeding America without them.”
Gibson is a sixth-generation dairy farmer who also farms corn and alfalfa. According to the UFBF’s website, he was known as the “Milkman,” holding public tours at the farm he operates, Green Acres Dairy. According to Agri-Pulse, Gibson has been outspoken about the Farm Bureau’s opposition to a bill that would address laws governing the hiring and treatment of farm workers.
Gibson’s bio has been removed from UFBF’s website.
“During this unfolding legal process, residents of Weber County are urged to exhibit patience and allow the judicial system to operate independently,” a statement from the sheriff’s office reads.
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Update 8/16/23 at 5:19 p.m. ET: This article was updated to include video coverage of the incident. The original embedded video was removed.
Following the video update, the UFBF sent an update release. Information regarding the release dated 8/15/23 has been included in this article.
