September 07, 2010
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The Box Lazy A Ranch Retreat is a small, family owned and operated ranch nestled deep in quiet farm country and the Hills of St. Bridgette.
Pictured above, Cecilia McNeal (owner) and her children Ben, Jacob and Dianne Paliwoda. Ben and Jacob who still currently live on the ranch, help Cecilia to keep the Box Lazy A running smooth.
Our unique geographical location is where the Flint Hills give way to the Glacier Hills, ancient glacial moraines of North East Kansas. Carved deeply into the prairie, the ranch sets below the farms and grass lands of the wind swept plains. Steep forested hills, open meadows, sheer sided creeks filled with fossils, sand and cool shade, contrast and diversify the open vastness of Kansas. Local’s legend holds the Native Americans chose this area to live. Deep hills provided shelter from the wild storms on the prairie and spring fed creeks, fresh water. Though it is difficult to find evidence of their stay, buried long ago in fallen leaves, on occasion a lone arrow head or axe head will surface. Living here, it becomes evident why they chose this area for hunting and protection. There is a peace in the air itself and stillness of the land. Far from being the first settlers, the Irish claimed this area as home. The name Saint Bridget was chosen for the historic Catholic Church which can be seen from one of our hill tops. Hence we are in The Hills of Saint Bridgette.
Our ranch was part of the original Land Grants of the 1850’s. A rocked-in dug out was the first home on the land. Time has washed away memory of these first residents, though they have been followed by a lengthy list of Irish names filling the lines of ownership encompassing the last 150 years. My family moved here six years ago from Alaska, bringing with us our rich ancestry of ranching from most of my life and my heritage in the mountains of Western Colorado. The Box Lazy A brand has been in my family for four generations. I am now the first woman to share it with my brother in both Colorado and Kansas. The ranch name, The Box Lazy A Ranch, is tradition.
For my nieces and nephews who grew up in suburbia, having the family ranch in the mountains of Colorado set them apart from others. It was something no one else had. This concept opened my eyes. My belief is that though I may own the land, to preserve it, I must share it. People must know what it is like to be on a farm in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, a farm in the US. To allow you to share and learn what it takes to make the food system of our country work is essential knowledge.
Grass lands must be burnt. Nature used to do this on its own, but if I do not teach you about why it is an essential part of a good Sustainable Agriculture Program, this necessary part of the grass lands regeneration may end. Many ranchers and farmers are providing experiences to share our life styles. In this new sharing, you and I are learning from each other.
Okay, I am a different sort of farmer/rancher. Though I believe I am the new form that others will follow. I share my land. I till the soil of knowledge and sharing. Just as so many have past before me in ownership of this small piece of God’s world, many more will follow. I hope in my time I will improve my land and give something of value to society, the opportunity to touch and share the land.
This picture is of the 1903 farm house that my family and I restored for our home in the hills.
One of the three round pens for working horses.
The tack shed for storing equipment.
The ranches open arena.
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| Box Lazy A Ranch 3063 Cherokee Rd Axtell, KS 66403 785-736-2822 Cecilia McNeal, owner Email: boxlazyaranch@gmail.com |
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