Buffalo Ridge Ranch

10/09/2026

On September 27th my husband took his last breath at 7:24 pm.
He left this world fighting to stay, knowing he was still needed, and very much wanted to stay with us.
But that was not the plan.
We held a small service a week ago here at the ranch, as he wanted, buried among the herd and where I can see him from most of the ridge and the house. My heart is shattered, my world is broken, and mine and my daughter’s lives forever changed.
We would like to thank our community, family, and especially our friends that have supported us through this difficult time. And, most of all, I thank God for the 25 years of love and memories I am left with.
The future isn’t as bright now, but this ranch and its purpose will continue to build my husband’s legacy.

10/03/2026

We will never be the same, but the dream will continue…
Forever the rock of the family.

WI******ER
David Brian Staats
05/23/71 - 09/27/26

David Brian Staats, age 55, passed away September 27th at Baptist Health Lexington after a quick battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family in his final days.

David was a residence of Wi******er, Kentucky where he was co-owner of a buffalo ranch on Stoner Ephesus Road. He loved to turn on rock music and mow with the tractor until the sun went down. He also loved to pause and just watch the buffalo roam whenever he had a moment.

He was a fun loving husband, wonderful father, and dedicated son.
He was treasured and will be deeply missed.

David is proceeded in death by grandparents: Carl and Brucie Nelson, Cleo and Macel Staats, father: Donald Elmore Staats, brothers: Donald Eugene Staats and Michael Staats, daughter: Hali Jarrett.
Surviving is wife: Jo Staats, mother: Joyce Staats, daughters: Cassadi Jarrett and Alexi (Morgan) Hudson, and brother: Josh Blaylock.

Private services took place on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at his buffalo ranch in Wi******er, Kentucky.

09/29/2026

Dear friends, please bare with us as we prepare to lay ranch co-owner, husband, and dad to rest. We lost him last night to neuroendocrine carcinoma - small cell cancer after a brief illness. Our hearts are broken, our spirits numb, and our tasks ahead a many.
We’re here, but this week is about holding one another and focusing on him.
Thank you in advance.
Cancer sucks!

09/18/2026

We had plans to participate in Dolly Day (and other local events this weekend) but we’ve had a set back with a family medical issue so sending all our love to everyone. If time allows, we’ll have more of an update this weekend.

If you’re celebrating then check out Buffalo Fluffalo and consider donating to Dolly Parton Imagination Library!

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09/15/2026

🙏 So, do it 🙏

It might be the best thing to ever happen to you.

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Buffalo, bison, ranch, conservation, Kentucky, bluegrass, outdoors, wildlife, adventure, nature, animals, herd

09/14/2026

Welcome to another Buffalo Ridge Field Log ( #09)!

This time around we’ve got the buffalo tussling over a little late night snack (the mineral tub).

Who will win? Who will sneak in for a quick bite?

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09/12/2026

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday! It’s actually been a pretty quiet day on the ranch. A little unusual for Saturday’s around here...
Hopefully everyone else had a great day!

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bison, buffalo, ranchlife, Kentucky, conservation, herd, outdoors, wildlife, animals, nature

09/11/2026

Even after 25 years, we still remember.

We still pray for all the innocent lives lost and the ones who live on with illnesses or injuries from that day.

We still hold space in our hearts for all the families affected by this tragedy.

We can never forgot while there is evil in the world… we can be better. We can do more good than evil ever can. Even if we just offer a hand to hold to those who need it.

09/10/2026

We were going to put a motivational quote here… but we thought it might be nice if yall told us your favorite motivational quote?

Fire away. What helps get you through the last bit of the week until the weekend?

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buffalo, Kentucky, bison, wildlife, nature, outdoors, conservation, animals, herd, hooves