110th Barn Birthday and Annual Barn Dance
2025-05-03 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
On Saturday, May 3rd Pioneer Bluffs will celebrate its historic barn’s 110th birthday and 10th anniversary of restoration with presentations and reception, followed by the Annual Old-Time Barn Dance featuring the Land Band. The schedule for the afternoon is as follows:
4:00pm: Welcome
4:10pm – 4:45pm: Barn Talk featuring barn architect Ben Moore and contractor Rick Mitchell
4:45pm – 5:15pm: Barn Restoration Video Premiere
5:15pm – 6:30pm: Guided barn and house tours
5:15pm – 6:30pm: Reception with heavy snacks and barn birthday cake

Old-Time Barn Dance
6:00pm Beginner Instruction
6:30pm Barn Dance
RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. They can be made to 620-753-3484 or info@pioneerbluffs.org.

Prairie Talk: Ranching and Conservation in Namibia
2025-06-07 13:00 - 14:30
Namibia, in southern Africa, is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, with vast rangelands, cattle ranches, and diverse wildlife. Like Kansas, much of its land is privately owned ranchland. Ryan and Ron Klataske will explore the similarities and differences between Namibia’s ranching heritage and conservation culture with the Flint Hills. Drawing on their travels together and Ryan’s immersive anthropological research, they will share striking photography and stories of how Namibian ranchers have developed innovative conservation partnerships—revealing unexpected connections between ranching in southern Africa and Kansas.
Homemade cookies and refreshments will be served. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. They can be made to 620-753-3484 or info@pioneerbluffs.org.

Two Prairie Talks: Five Oaks Ranch and Miles McKee
2025-06-21
12:00 Barbecue Meal – compliments of Five Oaks Ranch
For meal, please RSVP by June 16 to 620-753-3484 or info@pioneerbluffs.org. [No RSVP needed for talks]
1:00 Story of Five Oaks Ranch
Talk will include stories and historic photos of this ranch west of Elmdale on its 100th birthday: including early German and French homesteaders, colorful era of the Wiley draft horse ranch, the Middle Creek Fair and rodeo, and beginning in 1925, the Kansas City Stockyards-based Browning Ranch, grazing Texas cattle on Flint Hills grass, operated by the McKee, Cauthorn, Burnett, Wilson and Hancock families. Presented by John & Annie Wilson, Katie Wilson Hancock, and Jane Cauthorn.
2:00 Break and Ranch 100th Birthday Cake
2:30 Legacy of Miles McKee
Miles McKee, Professor of Animal Science at K-State from 1959-2005, grew up on this same ranch west of Elmdale. He went on to become a beloved and much-celebrated teacher and advisor, having an enormous impact on his students as well as the Kansas beef industry. The McKee family will tell about his legacy in this Prairie Talk, with time at the end for his former students to share their favorite stories and recollections.
