What a year it has been. One year ago this month we pulled into the driveway of an old Missouri farm that sat quietly in the winter breeze. As we unlocked the door of the house, the reality sat in. We were in for a lot of work. In its time, the farm had been a thriving operation, apparent by the abundance of concrete under every structure, the sophisticated plumbing system run off of the cistern, the strength of the timbers in the barns, the trolleys in the lofts, the old belt driven hammer mill sitting idly in the back of the machine shed.
The backbone was there, however, age and the seasons have their way of tearing down what man has built up. In order for this Missouri homestead to return to a productive farm, it was going to take a lot of work.
We did not waste any time. Beginning on what we were able to do in the cold, we started in. Whether it was clearing the invasive Russian Olive out of the fence rows, watching my seven months pregnant wife drag off limbs as I cut them with the saw, or mucking the decades old manure crust out of the stalls in the barns, we were determined to see results.
Admittedly, we were optimistic, yet quite blind going into spring. The farm in December looked cold and stale. The vegetation was all colored winter brown, the barn tin creaked in the cold wind, and the slimy mud on a day of thaw was enough to slow your pace. It was not until spring that we learned of how blessed we are.
As the grass and the trees began to show their true colors, so did our family and friends. Reflecting on the past year has brought the realization that we are surrounded by an army of support. Friends and family have made tremendous efforts to aide us in our journey. As the projects began to grow, the help kept coming.
From baling the summer hay, bucking the bales into the barn, to replacing half a mile of fence with seven strand, they were there. Whether it was installing the new cattle water, welding the 7ft tall bison corral, or tightening the original barb wire fences, they were there. Between putting in gator crossings and cutting brush, to working on a much needed remodel of an old bedroom, they were there. From establishing 26 acres of native warm season grass prairie, to lending temporary panels for the first load of bison, they were there.
We are so thankful for all who showed up this past year. We are indebted to you for our progress at Cheha Ranch. We are humbled by your contribution to our journey.
Thank you.
Cheha Ranch 