Usually in about mid April we will start to notice a random cow or two off on her own, away from the herd and normally seeking out the wooded or secluded parts of the pastures...this means calving season is upon us! Sometimes the cows will disappear for a day or two, then all of a sudden you will see them back with the herd with a new Red Dog (baby bison calf) by their side, other times some of the cows will group together and create their own little nursery herd, with new moms joining the group each day. This starts a chain reaction within the herd and after a few weeks there can almost seem to be 2 different herds. The groups interact with each other on and off throughout the day, and many times settle down together at night, but during the day or when the established herd is out grazing, the "nursery herd" can usually be seen off on its own or together off to the side. It reminds me of a bunch of new moms at a playground, gathering up the toddlers when a group of older kids moves in to ruff house and play.
Reflecting on Our Story with DeliveryRank
We sat down with the good folks from DeliveryRank to reflect on our story thus far. Their introspective questions required us to reflect on how and why it all started. Diving back in was reinvigorating and fitting as we wrap up 2024 and look forward to a killer year ahead of us!
Christmas week on the ranch.
Christmas week here on the ranch in Wisconsin means many things...kids are off from school, families & friends are coming together and usually the ground is covered with snow which means we finally get to have some fun snowboarding & snowmobiling.
The important things...
If there is one positive that has come out of 2020 and its events its that I have realized its not always important to race and complete the next task. Sometimes you just need to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Daylight to dark because thats what they do.
With the shift in demand for higher quality proteins moving from the massive scale commodity packing houses often owned by overseas corporations to the local, trusted butcher in the last 2 months, these very people that we depend on really deserve a pat on the back...
Life explodes!
Here in Wisconsin we see some very drastic seasons. Deep snow and bitter cold is replaced by waist high lush green grass and clovers in a few months time frame.
The transition season...
The transition from winter to actual spring is probably the most stressful time for rancher. Here in Wisconsin it seems like it can last for months, and sometimes it does.
Making the most of the short days...
Even though it seems like the work never ends here on the ranch, and with the shorter amounts of daylight available in the winter, the pressure is even higher to get everything done before you need headlights
Winter is here!
Bison are built for the cold, and there's nothing quite like seeing a dark herd contrasted against fresh white snow — but Wisconsin winters, from 30-40 below zero to over 120 inches of snow in a single month, can be tough on ranchers and their equipment. The bison seem to prefer 10 below zero over 35 degrees and rain, and honestly, we agree!