CALF_News_June_July_2019

14 CALF News • June | July 2019 • www.calfnews.net T here are certain things we can do to prepare for a blizzard, not much we can do for a flood and absolutely nothing to prepare for a wildfire. March 6, 2017, came down on the southern grass area of Kansas, Okla- homa and Texas, a monster unleashed. The events of that day affected many in the most horrific way; this is an account of one family. A huge thanks to Molly Giles Beckford for her patient help. The Giles Ranch To draw a better picture, we need to explain the Giles family and their Clark County, Kan., ranch. It has been home to three generations of pioneer Norman Lee and Dolores Giles’ descendants. The original Giles came to the Ashland area in the 1870s. Today, the family consists of Roger and his wife Cathy, their three daughters: Jennifer and husband Shane Betschart and three children; Katie and husband Brett Shaw and three children; and Molly and husband C.J. Beckford and son. The ranch is located along Bluff Creek, where medium grass and short grass regions converge. Cropland grows wheat, alfalfa, sorghum hay and native grass hay. Some wheat and alfalfa is irrigated. Cows run on large native and improved pastures. They retain steer calves, feeding and marketing them through U.S. Premium Beef. A hand- picked selection of steers are used for their retail beef business, Giles Ranch Beef®. In addition to their home-raised calves, they purchase stockers to run on wheat pasture and grass when adequate moisture allows. C.J. and Molly Beckford are in charge of day-to-day operations on the Giles Ranch. Molly works mostly with the cattle, while C.J. handles farming and maintenance. Their son, Giles, was one year old at the time of the fire; the trio are often found working together. It’s an aspect of their life that Molly loves. Molly Beckford is hands-on when it comes to cattle. She and husband CJ are responsible for Giles Ranch day-to-day operations. Photo courtesy Kathie Giles Shaw CJ and Molly Beckford with son Giles. Photo courtesy Alyssa Henry Photography THE GILES FAMILY AND THE By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor Kansas Wildfire COVER STORY: AFTER THE STORM