Turning the field over to the Buffalo

We start taking down signs, etc tomorrow, but visitors are still welcome to walk though the maze at half price this weekend. Just no more rides on the zip line, nor into the pasture to see the buffalo...

They've closed their pasture gate for the season!

After a bumper crop of pumpkins and vines- the pumpkin field is almost empty except for a few rejected leftovers. Of course that's the goal of this farm operation, which is to sell the whole crop. But it looks so bare now...

Frost hit here the other night so the Sudan Grass (which the maze field was planted in) has "freeze dried", or lost it's moisture.

As soon as we can clean out all the signs in the maze, and the activities in the field, it's ready for the buffalo to move in and take over the field.

They are eyeing those few remaining pumpkins.... (Watch the video link of the buffalo eating the pumpkins!)

Last Weekend Harrah

The weather looks great for our last maze weekend. The cool weather makes people think of fall and the last of the pumpkins will be picked for porch displays. We haven't had a freeze yet, so the maze is still green and pumpkins are still firm.

I'm guessing that 70 percent of our pumpkins have been sold out of the field, which is what we want to see by the end of the season. We'll sell another10-15 percent this final weekend. After all, the farmer's goal is to sell his/her crop. The buffalo are hoping there are a few pumpkins left for them though!

Thousands of people have taken the Prairie Tram ride out into the pasture to see the buffalo. I usually give the weekday tours for school field trips, and Dyllan and Verne do the weekend tours.

I'm amazed at how big the calves have gotten, and that's a main topic on the tram when people see the calves butt the mom's udder for milk. I'm sure the buffalo moms are about ready to say "That's enough, you're weaned from me!"

Calm, Cool and Sunny

After a busy weekend, Patty and I actually enjoyed two days of rain and solitude in our "pasture office". Of course that meant rescheduling school field trips, but better to postpone a week than cancel, or fight the mud.

Today the sun was out and we hosted two groups on opposite ends of life- a preschool, and an senior day care group- many that were in wheel chairs. We enjoyed both groups, and hope their time on the farm brought them all moments of fun, and lasting memories.

The weather turned absolutely gorgeous today, and the forecast is that this great weather will stay with us through Sunday.

If you don't have your home or business decorated with pumpkins yet, this is the weekend to get them. Whether it's at our farm, or in your own state. Get out and enjoy a local farmer's pumpkin patch and bring home some color!

Pumpkins-in-Wating

The light was just right this morning to take photos of the pumpkin field with the Visitors Center behind it.

As the weather gets cooler, more people head out to the farm to pick pumpkins. We're always amazed at how many pumpkins are hauled out of the field on the little wagons. It might be just two to five pumpkins per family, but at the end of the day, it does leave bare spots in the field.

The colors of fall is spectacular with the fruits of the field, the vines, and the various grasses and weeds in the pastures and fields as they mature and turn brown.

Fall is my favorite "season" color!

The school kids have been having a blast on their field trips to the Bison Farm.

They start with the Prairie Tram ride to see the buffalo, then the indoor "show and tell" program on how the Native Americans used the bison for their food, shelter, and clothing.

Next the kids shoot the pumpkin slingshot, have a sack lunch in our picnic area, and then the real fun begins! They explores all the different types of mazes, pump the water pumps for the duck race, and pick out their perfect pumpkin to take home,- all while running full blast in fresh country air!