Hailey
The documentary “Oasis on the Prairie: Ranchers of Greenwood County, Kansas” continues to captivate audiences with its intimate look into ranch life in the Flint Hills.
Part 2 focuses on the families featured in the film, their daily routines, and the challenges and triumphs of running ranches in modern America.
The documentary highlights the importance of tradition, community, and sustainable ranching practices while showcasing the beauty of Greenwood County’s landscapes.
Documentary Overview
“Oasis on the Prairie” is a feature documentary produced by Prairie Hollow Productions and directed by Dave Kendall. The film emphasizes the connection between ranchers and the land, showing how these families balance modern agriculture with generational traditions.
It also explores the economic and cultural significance of ranching in Greenwood County, highlighting cattle operations, auctions, and the community events that shape the local way of life.
Featured Ranching Families
The documentary showcases multiple ranching families, each with unique stories and roles in the community:
- Matt and Amy Perrier – Operate Dalebanks Angus and focus on cattle breeding and family traditions.
- Wayne and Marcia Bailey – Multi-generational ranchers maintaining long-standing ranch practices.
- Irlene Huntington and Heather Huntington-Fuesz – Share perspectives on preserving family ranch heritage.
- Mike and Glen Collinge – Manage cattle operations while adapting to modern challenges.
- Diltz and Jamie Lindamood, Jack Lindamood – Focused on sustainable land use and grazing practices.
- Preston and Jeanna Beeman, Mike Wiggins, Lindy Knowles, Jay and Sara Shivers – Represent various aspects of ranching life, from cattle markets to community engagement.
These families represent a mix of tradition, resilience, and innovation, demonstrating how ranching shapes personal lives and local culture.
Historical and Cultural Context
Greenwood County lies in the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie regions in North America. Ranching here is more than an occupation—it is a cultural heritage.
Families have been raising cattle for decades, and their work is intertwined with land conservation, community events, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
The documentary also emphasizes how ranchers adapt to changing weather, market demands, and environmental considerations while maintaining practices that sustain the prairie ecosystem.
[Through these stories, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the significance of ranching for both local culture and rural economies.
Premiere and Broadcast Details
The documentary premiered at the Granada Theatre in Emporia, Kansas, with a free public screening that included discussions with the featured ranchers.
Following the premiere, the documentary aired regionally on television, allowing wider audiences to witness Greenwood County ranch life and the challenges these families face.
The premiere and broadcast events highlighted the community’s pride and the importance of sharing these stories beyond the county, showcasing the beauty, dedication, and resilience of ranchers who keep traditions alive.
Supporting Organizations
The production of “Oasis on the Prairie” involved collaboration with local ranches, conservation groups, and community organizations.
These partnerships helped document ranch operations, historical context, and cultural events while providing funding, resources, and on-the-ground support.
The involvement of these organizations emphasizes the collaborative nature of preserving both the stories and landscapes of Greenwood County.
Documentary Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Documentary Title | Oasis on the Prairie: Ranchers of Greenwood County |
| Producer | Prairie Hollow Productions |
| Director | Dave Kendall |
| Premiere Location | Granada Theatre, Emporia, Kansas |
| Premiere Date & Time | December 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM |
| Broadcast | Regional television in early 2026 |
| Featured Families | Perrier, Bailey, Huntington, Collinge, Lindamood, Beeman, Wiggins, Knowles, Shivers |
| Main Themes | Ranching heritage, community, land stewardship, sustainable agriculture |
| Cultural Highlight | Preservation of Flint Hills tallgrass prairie |
“Oasis on the Prairie: Ranchers of Greenwood County” Part 2 provides a rich, authentic portrait of ranching life in Kansas. Through the stories of dedicated families, the documentary explores the intersection of tradition, community, and sustainable ranching.
Viewers gain insight into the daily life of ranchers, the challenges of modern agriculture, and the cultural significance of preserving the Flint Hills’ heritage for future generations.