Time Off

Verne and I took off for southwest Oklahoma last Friday for a little time away from the business. There was a bison rancher selling most of his stock and we wanted to attend the sale. Sad to think that the herd of 1100+ animals was split up to travel to new homes in several states, but they were sold in groups so they will adjust.

We bid on a group of very young calves that needed some time and attention, but ended up getting out of the bidding when it got high. We didn't have a trailer along, so would have had the extra cost of hiring someone else to bring them home too.

Then we drove north to southern Kansas visit Verne's college roommate and his family. We've kept in touch over the decades, but hadn't been at their farm for a number of years. Mark and Patsy raise stocker steers and wheat.

I'm going to try one of Patsy's favorite beef burger recipes with bison. Finely grate a small potato, mix with a lb of burger and a half package of Lipton's Dry Onion Soup Mix. Lightly shape into a burger patty, then grill, or cook in a covered skillet. Please let me know how it turns out for you, and if you have any more suggestions. I think I'll add some liquid smoke, a little Worcestershire sauce to my mix.

We stopped at Ted's Montana Grill in Wichita for our Sunday noon lunch. Verne had his burger smothered with Swiss cheese, onions and mushrooms, and I had mine with roasted green peppers, Monterey Jack cheese, and avocado slices. There are so many ways to fix ground bison, and they are all so good! I never get tired of it.

We had a quiet New Year’s Eve, and celebrated Verne’s birthday on New Year’s Day. (He was born at 12:15 am).

Now it’s back to work in the office, getting ready for taxes, and planning for 2008.

It was a cold 5 degrees here this morning. I saw the herd coming in at noon, so I went out and chipped the ice out of the drinking cups in their waterer. It’s heated, but the cows haven’t been in to the tank for days (been eating snow instead) so I knew they would appreciate some fresh water.

So life is back to normal here at the Bison Farm. We enjoyed the holidays, now we’re starting the New Year with healthy living, food, plans…and fresh water. We look forward to hearing from you, by email, phone, and orders in 2008!

Linda @ the Bison Farm