July 30, 2009

Smoky Hill Bison buffalo calves

I know it sounds unusual for any of you that have visiting Kansas during the summer, but we’ve had 70-80 degree weather this week. We didn’t even turn the air conditioning on in the Visitors Center the past two days.
 
I was visiting with a family from Sweden that stopped in today, and they were wondering if this is typical weather for Kansas. I wish! We’re just lucky to get a break in the heat and humidity. But at least we’ve enjoyed a nice green summer with all the sporadic rain we’re had. Everyone that stops in says how nice the pasture and fields look on their drive out to the Bison Farm (and the buffalo love this cool weather too).
 
Notice that the calves are changing colors on their faces in the above photo? That’s another sign that our weather and day length is changing too. We’ll soon find out if we have a hot or cool August.

Dyllan’s Birthday

Dyllan turns 18 tomorrow, and next week will be his last work week here at the Bison Farm. (We’re having cake and ice cream during lunch to celebrate his big day.) He takes off for college next. Dyllan will be majoring in wind technology, which is growing career field in Kansas.
 
This afternoon I had Dyllan pull back the leaves around one of the new giants growing in the pumpkin field so I could take a photo. We have several pumpkins already at 30 lbs. and they will add at least another 150 lbs. in weight before the fall season starts September 26th.
 
Dyllan is going to miss working the fall season this year, but I hope he will come back to enjoy it as a guest after working it three years. We’ll miss him!