Well…… i SPOKE waaayyyy to soon, ‘cause……. Rain, cold, and flood watch just smacked me and almost everyone in Kansas, in the face! Ponds are FULL, puddles are on the ground, and life is wet! Yes, there are some great upsides to this rain, but also downsides. Some ranchers can’t get to their cows because they’re either trapped in their house or the roads washed out! But we are still grateful for this rain. Because without it ponds wouldn’t be full, and puddles wouldn’t be on the ground! So as much as I am sad that all this rain has slightly wrecked my plans, I’m glad that we got it!

Yours truly, ME  

The road was flooded to our cows! (We did not cross this!)

The calm before the storm!

Find the beauty in it!

The aftermath! Pt. 1

The aftermath Pt. 2

Well between the sunshine, horses, cows, the beautiful Flint Hills, rain, rodeos rual internet,and phone problems I’ve been a little MIA, but…… I’m back and excited! Here in the Flint Hills it’s been sunny, and beautiful, I’ve been busy helping my dad ride yearlings, getting ready for summer rodeos, and enjoying this HEAT! I’ve been gone for what seems forever, which sucked…… BUT I plan to hit the ground running hard! I got a couple blog posts in the works that I’m kinda excited about, but at the moment I still keep reading' “the guys” blog post…… Because it might not seem like much, but it means a lot, I was in a lot of tears writing that post so i hope you LOVE it as much as I do! I try to be as real with you all as possible! Also day at the ranch photos are coming slowly, but are coming, with phone issues i’ve had a hard time getting them to upload so once my new phone comes I plan to upload so more. Be on the look out for new blog posts, and pictures! And make sure to sign up to be on our e-mail list so you don’t miss out on all the NEW things coming! Thanks so much for your patience and following along on this ride!

Your truly, ME

Well, I did it! I broke out of my comfort zone, literally, and took photos at the Flint Hills Classic! And oh boy, was it an experience, a great one at that! Getting to photograph these kids doing what they love, grabbing those candid shots, it was so much fun! To tell you the truth I was extremely nervous on how the photos would turn out, the lighting wasn't the best, and I'm new to this. But I ended up with some good ones! It was an exciting weekend and I can’t wait to share with you all the photos I got at The Day On The Ranch! But for now some of the Flint Hills Classic photos are on my website under photos and all the way to the bottom, enjoy!

Yours truly, Me

Working with the “guys” has been a great opportunity and something I’ll remember forever! They are such great role models. But there are five guys that I look up to and they have taught me pretty much everything I know. First is my dad, because of course he’s taught me everything and anything I need to know about. Second Pate Collins, he taught me how to rope and pushed me to rodeo and he’s just kinda like a second dad. Third is Harold Stapleford (we call him Howy)! He is kinda like my other grandpa always helping me and teaching me how to become a better rider and person. I guess he pushes me to step out of my comfort zone! Forth is Orban Stevens also known as Orb, he’s just always kinda there, he taught me to take your time you don’t always have to rush, he pushes me to help other guys. And last but certainly not least is Joseph McGee. He has really taught me to have fun, and it’s ok to have have a good time. He just always gives me a hard time and he kinda pushes me to smile.... All these guys have helped, watched, and taught me to be a better person. I will always remember the times I’ve spent with them. Yes, there are others, but for now it’s the 5 that have been there for me from the get go. If it weren’t for the guys I definitely would not be where I am now. 

Yours Truly, ME 

Left to Right. Howy, my brother, Pate! 

Left to Right. Orb, Joseph! 

And my dad, who so loves selfies! 😂

I think sometimes that we look at a food item, or even clothing, and check to make sure that it has the “label.” Labels such as organic, non-GMO, cage-free, or gluten-free. But do we research these things and make sure we are choosing right? Or do we just follow the new ”fad?” Do we do it to fit in? I'm here to tell you to do your RESEARCH! Yes there are people who have been diagnosed by a doctor and are allergic to gluten or multiple other things! Those people have a right to have to look for those labels, and they have done the research. But have you? Have you checked from reliable sources that have actual facts? Yes, sometimes it's hard to trust people and you want to make the best possible decision for our bodies, but if you really want to make the best decision, do your research! Take the time and read about labels and what those labels really mean! And I know this is kind of a ”sticky” subject, but as I've said before I think it's my job as a rancher to help others understand more about ranch life. So I guess my point is do your research! And if you have made it this far thanks! 

Yours truly, ME  

Here’s some reliable sources. 

 https://monsanto.com/innovations/biotech-gmos/articles/gmo-facts/

 https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.detroitnews.com/amp/1347314002

As a rancher you have a responsibility to take care of your land and animals, and we take it very seriously! At our ranch it’s God, Cows, Family! As sometimes that stinks, it’s what you gotta do! Sometimes you have to cancel, reschedule, or not go! But at the end of the day it’s worth it! Seeing these views, cattle, and working together as a family, it can’t get much better than that! Yes... Sometimes there are tears, yelling and anger, but sometimes there are smiles, laughs, giggles and fun times! Being a rancher isn’t always easy! And the end result might not be “perfect” but is so worth it! So when “duty calls” you go and cancel or reschedule! Because it’s God, Cows, Family! 

 -Yours truly, Me 

Cows got out and duty calls! 

It’s that time of year again, when the smell of smoke fills the Flint Hills and everything is black. And as much as burning STINKS (literally), we still have to do it, despite the complaints about the smoke. Guess what? The farmers and ranchers are actually right in the middle of the “heat” of battle, working to contain the burning flames. The cattle will be eating weeds this summer if we don’t burn. And the land would be taken over by invasive weeds, brush and trees if we didn’t burn!

Burning….. No it’s not fun. It’s not always pretty. And it takes a lot of strength and time to do it. Burning does not happen over night. It takes daysssssssssssss of preparation and work to get ready for the right conditions to set a fire. And they do it even though they get complaints. Farmers and ranchers……..they push through and keep their heads high!

The next time you may want to complain because of some smoke I’d encourage you to consider that we’re doing our job for multiple reasons. The farmers and ranchers are setting the fires, keeping watch to keep them contained and controlled. Ranch families stay up wondering when their husband is going to get home. And when he gets home….he’s definitely going to be black with soot! No burning is not always fun, but it is what is needed to keep the Flint Hills in tip top shape!

By yours truly, Me

Hi! I’m Reese living in the Flint Hills of Kansas raising BEEF with my family, Lover of Jesus, Beef Tacos, Turquoise, Western Fashion, 80’s Country from Pandora, My Corgi - Brisby, A Good Photo, and An Excellent Cow Pony.

I’m a fifteen year old who just recently found her love for taking a good photo in the Flint Hills and have developed a passion for sharing more about the agriculture industry. I feel like it is part of my “job” here in the Flint Hills to share with others the way these famers and ranchers take pride in, and put a lot of dedication into, their work. What better way to do that then through a photo! I don’t always get to share photos of the guys actually working because, I’m either in working with the guys or because it’s kinda hard to be sneaky and snap a photo before they catch me. LOL! But when I do grab a photo, I get pretty excited! I enjoy telling and showing my photos with you all because each picture has a story and being able to tell you that story is so special! 

Besides taking a good photo, I enjoy riding my “good cow pony”! I enjoy roping at any and every rodeo I can make it to.

I love sharing my love of photographing with you and if you have any questions please E-mail me @ rocknrphotography@gmail.com and I would love to chat!

Yours Truly, Me

Me and Doc, my “good cow pony” and best friend!

Me and my corgi Brisby, aka the most spoiled, cutest, funniest, make you laugh, best dog in the world!

Me and my cousin at a rodeo!

Me, Doc (my “good cow pony”), Brisby (the corgi), some turquoise and a little western fashion! Some of my favorite things all in one picture!

My crazy family….just missing my dad

There he is…my dad and I!

And i just had to add this one because, she’s my best friend and deserves to be here!