Twodot Land and Livestock

In central Montana for the week, on a 24,000 acre ranch owned by the family of Zachary Jones, the Grasslands, LLC Regional Manager & COO. Overjoyed by the sight of mountains, trees, and rivers! Not to mention new faces, electricity, running water, a shower, an outhouse, a stove, a refrigerator, etc! It's amazing how much one appreciates such simple things when he's been without them for over 50 days!!

More pictures here!

My First Rodeo!

Headed to the Custer Ranch Rodeo with Cinch Buckle Ranch Manager, Ron Goddard, and the Grasslands, LLC rodeo team, made up of Jake Goddard, Ty Hotchkiss, Jessie Hotchkiss (Ty's sister), and Jackson Wald. Rodeo events include team branding, team penning, wild cow milking, team doctoring, a pony express race, and stock saddle bronc riding. I can't wait!

Head & Heel: Calf Branding, Cowboy Style

Just got back from a "head and heel" branding at the Cinch Buckle Ranch (one of Grasslands, LLC 3 ranches), near Broadus, Montana. Truly honored to have witnessed and been a part of such a rare cultural event. The skill and precision with which these cowboys were roping calves (while gracefully maneuvering their horses) rivals, in my opinion, the feats of our world's greatest Olympians.

Rattlesnake for dinner!!

For those wondering about the taste, there was some resemblance to chicken, but it was much more complex a flavor than that...kind of like gator tail, with hints of quail and fish. The texture was a bit like pulled pork.

Check it out on Facebook!

My First Branding

Participated in my first branding today! While difficult to emotionally digest the actual practice of branding, you were right, Craig Rogers (of Border Springs Farm)...this experience really did show me "what neighbors and family are all about" (i.e. within the cultural context of the Northern Great Plains). It seems that this practice pretty much represents the highest form of community connection and collaboration that this region has to offer. Needless to say, I had a fantastic time helping our neighbors, the Winklers!!

83 degrees today with 80% humidity...I feel like I’m back in Virginia!

A Grasslands Facebook Page!!

Just created a Facebook Fan Page for Grasslands, LLC, the company I work for out in South Dakota. I now have internet here on the ranch and am hoping to develop an online presence for Grasslands in my free time. If you're interested in the work we're doing, make sure to "Like" us!! I promise to post some good stuff!