hunting paradise???

The ranch has been leased to Heartland Prime Outfitters for hunting rights.  On rare occasions we can have elk, turkey and mule deer.  Their main interest is white tail deer and pronghorn on our ranch.  They do not want to hunt coyote or prairie dogs that we have plenty of.  We are now in archery season for pronghorn antelope.  The outfitters have set up 2 blinds near livestock water tanks.  The hunters wait in the blind until an antelope comes near to drink.  This is Brian from Illinois who is in his second day waiting for success.  The temperature has been 98 degrees during his time there.   He seemed glad to have me stop for a quick visit. 
 

Make hay when it rains

 The ranch has irrigation rights from the Niobrara River however we don't use them as we could anymore.  So we only justify harvesting hay when there is adequate rain to grow grass properly.  Since we do not have the equipment for haying a custom hay crew put up 325 bales for us (about 225 ton).  This is half of the hay we need for the winter.  alfalfa will be purchase from producers for the remainder of our needs.

Beautiful weeds misplaced

 The ranch has experienced 3 years of extreme drought.  It appears to be over as we have received as much rain in the last 3 months as we did in the 3 years prior.  Moisture for 2023 is at 16.3 inches were as average would be 10.3.  The grass is growing great, but so are the weeds.  Many pastures have areas loaded with sunflowers and it makes a beautiful sight.  But being out of place they are still a weed and the cows don't eat them.