Stories
Spring Returns with Snow
Spring has arrived and with it well needed moisture in the form of snow! But... we'll take it! We hope you enjoy Jill's spring time, snow photo blog.
The Winter of Our Discontent
I have always thought of myself as a refugee from the clutter and decay of population centers. We live thirty-five miles from the nearest store; thirty-five barren miles is what I was searching for when I moved here. It is something of an animal oasis, a utopian community for people, dogs, and birds. But this COVID winter has threatened our tranquility.
What We're Reading
What We’re Reading… thoughtful and insightful books that give focus to restoration, environmental protections and the importance of a sustainable and healthy food system.
Meet Colton Jones
In Part III of our “Meet the Family” video series, we are happy to introduce the hardworking Colton Jones! Not only is he the son-in-law of Dan & Jill and husband to General Manager, Jilian Jones - but he’s also the Cheyenne River Ranch Manager and Wild Idea’s Sourcing Manager.
Our Climate Impact
Carbon sequestration plays a key role in environmental health. Wild Idea Buffalo Company and affiliated ranches are positively impacting over 300,000 acres of grasslands, which actively sequesters between 90,000 to 5,100,000 metric tons of carbon!
Patagonia Introduces Wild Idea Work Boots
For the past twenty-three years, Wild Idea and affiliated ranch partners have had their boots on the ground - working hard to regenerate and preserve the American Great Plains, by bringing back the bison. Introducing the Wild Idea Work Boot!
Argus Leader: South Dakota Bison Ranch Partners with Patagonia
Our partnership with Patagonia and our new line of Wild Idea Work Boots was recently highlighted in our local community.
GQ: Can These Boots Help Save the Planet?
Our partnership with Patagonia and the limited new line Wild Idea Work Boot was recently brought to light in a full-length GQ article
Roundup and Release
All animals that graze public lands, must have identification of who they belong to - our identification would be an ear tag. We spruced up the existing corral system with the guidance of Dr. Temple Grandin and did our first round-up and ear-tagging a year later.
Nature is Good Medicine
On Sunday evening I usually try to map out my week. This week was going to be a full one and would require committed planning. But, it doesn't take much to become uncommitted and have your regimented schedule tossed out the window. As a rancher and a small business owner, being flexible is a necessity.
Space
A friend from Saint Louis came out for a week’s visit. Laurie is a doctor but writing a novel and she needed a little peace and quiet, so we offered her the bunkhouse. The bunkhouse is hardly peaceful or quiet, given the fact that it is attached to the dog kennel and the mews, where I keep the falcons. We told her what to expect: Dogs howling at the coyotes most of the night, falcons eechipping every time they saw me crossing the yard.
What We're Watching
What We're Watching... inspiring, hopeful films that highlight the fight against climate change and all those individuals who are leading the efforts to protect our Planet.