When you think of fall, I bet a forest of trees in their autumn color palette comes to mind. The sound of crunching leaves and that wonderful damp smell of their decay. Crisp mornings and a delicious warm beverage with your hands wrapped around the mug for warmth. This truly is the best time of year!

What do you think about when it comes to fall on the prairie? Did you know the grasses also have their autumn color palette of golden hues? Or deep purplish-blue, such as big blue stem?

Golden hues of cottonwoods, ash and occasionally bur oaks give such joy to this cherished time of year.

The natural contrast of yellow and blue make the prairie really sparkle in this season.

Our rivers are a mecca of gold, which is the prairie’s primary autumn color. Occasionally you’ll find red sumac but so rarely do we have orange.

The warm tones of morning and evening bring out all those cozy colors of fall in the sky, the prairie expanse, or our beloved historic buildings.

In the last 10 years or so, I’ve really begun to notice the prairie carpet and it’s subtle tribute to the end of the growing season.

Native grasses are something we strive to achieve on the ranch, creating grazing programs that help eradicate invasive plants that not only horde the precious soil but also aren’t as nutritious for cattle and wildlife. The fall really showcases one of my favorite native grasses, sideoats grama (or as I fondly refer to as sideoats grandma). The seed heads grow out of the side of the stalk, giving it a distinct look.

Herefords were made for the prairie. Not only do they share autumn’s color palette, but their ability to withstand the coming winter with ease is with a gentler endurance than many other breeds of cattle.

Wherever you’re enjoying fall this year, find joy in all those subtle details that make up your landscape.

For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Colossians 1:16-17