The light rustle of hay, the rhythmic clink of automatic waterers, and the occasional soft, inquisitive thump of a paw against wire—sounds that lifelong Cedar City residents Tyler and Amy Garfield have come to know intimately.
Below the red slopes of the Iron County mountains and nestled in the heart of downtown Cedar City, they’ve cultivated a unique agricultural enterprise: breeding show rabbits. What began as a casual backyard hobby has transformed into an award-winning passion.
The Garfields’ success in the competitive world of rabbit breeding is built on a foundation of quality genetics, meticulous care, and a deep, multi-faceted partnership with their local IFA Country Store. Tyler and Amy are not just raising pets; they are growing champions.
Rabbits: The Accidental Livestock
The decision to dive into rabbit breeding was rooted in both Tyler’s profound desire to reconnect with values he learned growing up on a horse and sheep operation in Iron County, as well as a desire for a dependable food source amid the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I've got to have a protein source that we can raise and that we can rely on ourselves," he recalls thinking. "So I thought rabbits were the perfect thing.”
Tyler didn’t want just another pet. If they were going to start raising their own rabbits for meat and agricultural purposes, he wanted to do it right. He quickly began researching the best meat rabbit breeds and traits for production.
"I always feel like if you raise something, you ought to raise good ones,” he says. This led to a road trip to northern Utah for three rabbits and, “in true rabbit form,” as Tyler puts it, the Garfields came back with 11.
Tyler’s background in sheep and horses taught him that good genetics are essential for livestock production, and he was interested in seeing how well his rabbits measured up in the industry.
“We decided to go for our first rabbit show because ultimately we wanted to use it for a food source, but I'm kind of a competitive person, and I wanted to see how good my rabbits were,” Tyler says.
The first rabbit show was a disaster. “We loaded the rabbits we thought were really good, and they turned out to be terrible,” Tyler recalls.
After that, Tyler considered quitting his rabbit venture. It was Amy who insisted he continue, pointing out the investment they’d made, so he regrouped and tried again—this time at the Utah State Fair.
“Our rabbits actually did really well for what we had put into them,” he says. Encouraged by mentors and the rabbit community, this is when they began investing in better genetics and learning the nuances of breed standards.
From Hobby to High Stakes
Tyler and Amy never ate any of the rabbits during the pandemic. Instead, the knowledge they gained from attending those early shows started them on a path that would lead to even more rabbits in their backyard.
At first, Tyler bred and showed the rabbits, and Amy joined to make sure he didn’t purchase any more rabbits while he was there. After going to many shows, she decided it would be a lot more fun if she had something to show too.
“If I was going to come with him to the shows, I had to get my own rabbits,” Amy says. “And I wouldn’t let him go alone because he’d just buy more rabbits.”
Amy now specializes in Polish rabbits, a small breed known for its prominent eyes. Tyler’s current show barn is a little more diverse with Satin, Mini Satin, Florida White, and his newest addition, Havana rabbits. Together, they’ve built a thriving rabbitry with over 130 animals at peak times.
“We’ve added a lot of cages,” Tyler says. “The ultimate goal is to feed good rabbits.”
Breeding for Perfection
When Tyler turned his focus to show rabbits, he started reaching out to his newfound mentors through rabbit groups on social media. He purchased his first three “show standard” from one of those mentors in Washington.
The Garfields follow the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s Standard of Perfection for each breed. “Every breed is completely different,” Tyler explains.
“For my Polish rabbits, 45 points out of 100 are on the head, ears, eyes, and shape of the head.” Amy says, “You’re looking for big, bold eyes, chubby cheeks, and short, thick ears that stand together.”
This differs from Tyler’s breeds, which are predominantly meat rabbits prized for their glossy coats and muscular builds.
The Rise of an Award-Winning Rabbitry
Tyler and Amy’s dedication to nutrition, care, and quality genetics has paid dividends along the show circuit in just a short time. Tyler’s rabbits have earned numerous Best of Breed, Best Opposite Breed, and even top honors as Reserve Best in Show. Amy’s hasn’t been in the show circuit for long, but she has already accumulated a remarkable resume of successes, including the highest possible honors.
“Amy won two Best in Shows, which is the best rabbit in the whole building,” Tyler says proudly.
Tyler says a highlight for them was a show in Montrose, Colorado, where Amy won two Best in Shows and two Reserve in Shows, while Tyler placed second runner-up to the Reserve in Show.
“There are people that show their whole lives and never get a Best in Show–like ever,” Tyler says, highlighting how impressive this accomplishment is for his wife, who only started showing rabbits in March of 2025.
These accolades are proof that in major competitive venues across the West, the Garfields’ rabbits have consistently outperformed hundreds of competitors.
The Garfields’ Trust in IFA Feed
In the competitive circuit, where even a slight lack of coat sheen can cost a title, proper nutrition and consistency are the cornerstone of success. This is where the Garfields’ partnership with their local Cedar City IFA becomes indispensable.
Tyler is unequivocal about their choice of feed. “We’ve been using IFA rabbit feed for a long time,” he says
IFA offers two types of rabbit feed: Prime Meadow Rabbit Feed and Breeder’s Choice. Tyler feeds his rabbits the Prime Meadow Rabbit Feed, which has 16% protein. This allows him to supplement the ration with his own top dressing, a mix of grains and nutrient additives that are also sourced from IFA.
The reliability of IFA’s feed is perhaps the highest compliment Tyler can give. “It’s super consistent,” he says. “We’ve never had a batch the rabbits wouldn’t touch.”
In the world of livestock feed, where subtle variations in nutrient mix or texture can cause digestive upset or rejection, that level of consistency is rare and invaluable. It ensures the animals receive the same, reliable nutrition every single day.
“I won’t feed anything else,” Tyler says. “The feed is consistent, fresh, and even some of the bigger breeders around the state have said IFA’s got it figured out.”
Tyler believes that the local promise IFA provides is the biggest advantage. The fact that all IFA’s feed is locally milled ensures the highest possible freshness of each bag. Tyler says that feed, like any perishable product, is at its best when it is fresh because that is when it has the maximum nutrient potency.
Selling Rabbits Locally
The Garfields’ relationship with IFA extends far beyond just pellets in a bowl. Tyler and Amy focus on raising rabbits for the show circuit, which means they have access to quality rabbits that don't quite meet their competitive breeding standards. However, these rabbits are perfect as pets or starter show stock for other hobbyists, and IFA serves as a mutually beneficial outlet for these excess rabbits.
“When we have the extra rabbits, we sell them to IFA, and they turn around and sell them to their customers,” Tyler explains.
This arrangement provides the Garfields with a reliable local market, eliminating the complexity and effort of finding individual buyers. Cedar City IFA benefits by being able to provide their customers with quality, healthy animals from a trusted local source.
“They raise quality rabbits all across the board,” Dustin Boyd, Pet Department Manager at Cedar City IFA, says. “Even the ones they sell to us are great for families who want pets or want to start showing.”
Tyler and Amy’s rabbits are not only popular at rabbit shows, but are also well-known within the local community. Tyler is a third-generation schoolteacher, and his students enjoy visiting the Cedar City IFA Country Store to see their teacher’s rabbits.
Tanner Runolfson, Assistant Manager at the Cedar City IFA Country Store, notes that Tyler and Amy’s involvement in the community and positive attitudes make their partnership with IFA even better.
“Rabbits are always fun, super cute to look at anyway,” Runolfson says. “But when the kids have that connection to know ‘hey that’s my teacher’s rabbit’ it's really fun just to see their eyes light up, and that's why we like to have our local producers help us with the rabbits, especially people like the Garfields.”
This partnership, which Tyler notes has been going strong for over five years, is a perfect illustration of IFA’s local commitment and mission to serve all growers. Boyd reinforces this philosophy, explaining that IFA is focused on helping everyone grow the things they love in the Intermountain West, whether they “grow rabbits or are a big livestock grower.”
The IFA Community
Beyond buying feed or selling rabbits, the Garfields also feel supported by the IFA staff and involve them in their success.
Runolfson notes that every time the Garfields attend a competition and do really well, one of the first things they do is visit the IFA store to tell the staff how their rabbits performed and share pictures.
“It's always fun to see their excitement and what they're doing,” Runolfson says. “We're then able to share that with our other customers and community members, and we like getting to support Tyler and Amy.”
Tyler and Amy appreciate the relationship with their local IFA. They note that everyone is easy to talk to and work with, from the pet department manager, Dustin Boyd, to the store manager, Sam Mortensen.
“IFA’s been great,” Tyler says. “They’ve helped us grow, and they’re part of our success.”
Looking Down the Bunny Trail
Despite their rapid rise in the rabbit world, the Garfields remain humble and focused. “People can’t believe we’ve only been doing it a few years,” Tyler says. “But they don’t understand what we put into it.”
Their goal now is to refine their operation—fewer rabbits, more champions. “I’ve seen old guys come in with one rabbit and win the whole show,” Tyler says. “That’s who I want to be.”
Whether they’re prepping for a national competition or delivering rabbits to IFA, Tyler and Amy Garfield exemplify what it means to blend passion, community, and excellence. Their story is one of transformation, from a backyard experiment to a respected name in rabbit breeding, and this is only the beginning.
“It’s just been a good hobby for us,” Tyler says. “We’ve met great people, learned a lot, and built something we’re proud of—right here in Cedar City.”
Written by Mikyla Bagley, IFA Content Writer, and originally published in the IFA Cooperator magazine (vol. 92, no. 1) Spring 2026.
Mikyla Bagley is a fifth-generation rancher actively involved in her family’s cattle operation. She holds a deep respect for the wisdom and management practices of the farmers and ranchers who have crossed her path, both because of her family operation and otherwise. A deep desire to remain connected to the agriculture industry drove Mikyla to earn her BIS in Agriculture Science and Communication from Southern Utah University. She continues to be involved in her family’s operation while using her degree and life-long experience as IFA’s Content Specialist sharing the experiences and wisdom of IFA experts and Co-op Members.
“The agriculture community is filled with genuine and hard-working men and women whose passion for their lifestyle deserves to be shared. I look forward to helping highlight both their stories and expertise alongside IFA.”
—Mikyla Bagley