Reviewing and sorting through a years worth of photographs to select your favorites, can be a daunting, if not impossible task. So instead, I decided to use my memory of events that stood out to me this past year and then search for the images that would help tell the story. In short, it’s been quite a year! I hope you enjoy the pictorial review.
The weather as always sets the prairie stage. We started the year off covered in ice and snow, the base of which started with the freak October 3rd, 2013 blizzard. Warmer than normal winter temperatures kept the land covered in ice and water with repetitive, on and off, thawing and freezing. By May, the melting ice and spring thunderstorms had the prairie running with water, and colored in a beautiful, vibrant green.
We were fortunate to escape a little winter to attend a Sustainable Symposium in CA, were we had the privilege of connecting with notable, environmental movers & shakers, such as; Wes Jackson, Yvon & Melinda Chouinard, Alice Waters and Angelo Garro. For a couple of hours we thought we were pretty big deals! We shared stories over meals and re-charged our batteries with new found support from new friends. Later in the summer Dan & I presented at the SD Green Conference with Allan Savory and I made a trip to the Rowe Sanctuary to cater their annual fundraiser. More good times and memories for worthy, necessary events.
The spring brought babies, including our first grandson and 3rd generation buffalo rancher, Lincoln Hosler Jones.
Wild Idea customers, friends and college students stopped by for ranch tours, to see what we’ve been up to, as well as to get an up close look at where their buffalo meat comes from. Great conversations were had over buffalo meals, and some received a special treat of Native drumming & dancing, put on by one of our own artisan butchers, Cyril White Eagle.
Perhaps some of my most treasured times was being out on the prairie, either by myself or with friends, trying to catch the magic of the light, view wildlife or identify plants. Because of all of our precipitation, it made for a great grass year, with wild flowers showing off in abundance. The wild life all seemed content in the prairies bounty too. And the light, if you are patient enough, usually never disappoints. A thank you shout out to Michael Forsberg and Angela & Urle Anderson.
The demand for healthy proteins continues to be on the rise and 100% grass-fed/finished, humanely harvested bison meat can’t be beat. Wild Idea Buffalo Company is second to no one in this. In addition to our fabulous whole muscle bison cuts and premium ground buffalo, our in-house artisan sausage maker Valerie Flanagan created Buffalo Bacon! It has been a huge hit with customers and is a favorite in our house. We also perfected our 100% Buffalo Hot Dog recipe – still nitrite free and now skinless! They are fabulous! If you haven’t tried them – you should. A perfect, quick fix for new years resolutions.
Dan’s latest book was released, WILD IDEA. A personal memoir, layered with family and the growing of a business, to help save the American Great Plains. His first review came from Kitty Blue.
Then there are the bison, the beautiful, curious and majestic bison,to which we owe so much gratitude.
Our wonderful summer and mild fall kept the growing season going and going. It was finally stopped with a snowy, polar vortex that moved in in November. It lingered for a week and then departed as quickly as it came, leaving the nutmeg, ginger and clove colored grasses waving against the deep blue winter sky.
Snow has been falling over the last couple of days, dusting the prairie with diamond like flakes that glitter in the morning light. I think it doesn’t want to be left out of the upcoming festivities and decided to put on the glitz for the New Year’s Eve celebration! WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR! Jill
Comments 13
What a treat! A lovely photographic recap, of the year just ending. I look forward to what you will bring, to us, in 2015. You have the right mix of artistry and spirit, in your nature pictures, and they are moving. Pictures are supposed to tell a story and yours do. Thank you.
Happy New Year, to all, at the ranch.
Thank you for the beautiful pictures of our native buffalo and for your nice story. It is a great way to start the new year. Beautiful healthy meat as well.
Love those pictures there any wayto get some print and framed?
Author
Hi Joseph – Would be happy to have some photos made for you. I will reach out to you directly, or you can contact me directly at: jill@wildideabuffalo.com. Thanks to all for your supportive comments! Happy New Year!
You are a blessing to all who encounter you. The year end pics are wonderful and very heartwarming.
HELLO from Buffalo, NY!
I originally found your site looking for my sister who lives in Keeline, WY. She just recently moved there from Buffalo. Being a Buffalo resident, I enjoy pictures of bison. I also love the meat! Only have had it once or twice as it is rare to find here. We have one ranch about 60 miles from here and it is only sold there in Machias, NY.
I just wanted to thank you for your photos of your great looking ranch! I especially love the pic of the two bison with the misty sun! I would appreciate being able to buy a copy to frame for my foyer. I am trying to have pics of buffalo and the city scenes to welcome guests as they enter.
Could you please let me know if you might be willing to share your art.
Thank you again. I will surely return to your site.
Author
Hi Kathryn – Would be happy to have a print made for you. I can be reached directly at jill@wildideabuffalo.com. And …… we can also get our delicious, healthy, 100% grass-fed/grass-finished bison meat to your door at a neutral carbon foot print.
Beautiful pictures Jill! You are quite the photographer!
I love these photos-I will email you to request a print of the first grass picture.especially the grass ones!Congrats to you on your first grandson. Seeing these pictures makes me want to come up and take a tour. Beautiful!
My maiden name is Buff, so I have been in love with the Buffalo as long as I can remember. Thanks for the beautiful pictures of my favorite animal.
Awesome blog and photography. You and Dan have a beautiful randh and philosphy about life. And you live it. I try to pass on Dan’s booksfor good reads as gifts. this summer may have to see about some meat for our biker friends bbq, Thanks for sharing this great photgraphy. Bob PS: We met you up at Dale and Jane’s a couple of summers ago.
I really enjoyed the pictorial. Great, beautiful pictures. Makes me want to come out and visit. Thank you for a great product and customer service as well. Oh, and I can’t wait to try that great “red” chili.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures.