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July 28, 2026 (Columbiana, OH) – The National Bison Association (NBA), in cooperation with the Eastern Bison Association, is excited to welcome producers, new entrants, and bison enthusiasts to the final regional bison conference of the 2026 summer season. The Eastern Regional Bison Conference, held September 11–12 at Coyote Run Bison Ranch in Columbiana, Ohio, will bring together experts and producers from across the region for two days of hands‑on learning, practical herd management insights, and community connection.

“We’re thrilled to host this year’s Eastern Regional Conference and share what we’ve learned about building a healthy, sustainable bison operation,” said Coyote Run Ranch owners Nick and Kristin George. “Our goal is to help producers strengthen their herds, their land, and their long‑term business plans through practical, data‑driven strategies.”

The conference will feature both classroom and field sessions designed to equip attendees with tools they can immediately apply at home. Topics include grazing management, soil and forage sampling, nutrition planning, body condition scoring, and the financial realities of running a bison operation. Participants will learn how to interpret forage, soil, and water data to build feeding “recipes,” how to navigate NRCS resources, and how to connect grazing decisions to herd vitality and winter performance.

“This event is intentionally built for producers at every stage—from those just getting started to seasoned ranchers looking to refine their systems,” said NBA Program Manager Lydia Whitman. “It’s a chance to learn from experts, walk the pastures, ask questions, and connect with a community that genuinely wants to see each other succeed.”

Registration includes access to all sessions, a Friday evening reception, Saturday bison lunch and bison dinner. Space is limited to 80 attendees, and early registration is strongly encouraged.

Full agenda and registration available at: https://nationalbison.org/event/2026-eastern-regional-bison-conference/

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This national $3.8 million initiative addresses long-standing challenges in the bison sector, including limited access to modern educational resources, a lack of comprehensive industry valuation, and gaps in data dissemination. Through this program, the NBA aims to strengthen the economic foundation of the bison industry and support producers across all sectors.

“This grant represents a historic investment in the future of the bison industry,” said Jim Matheson, Executive Director of the National Bison Association. “By expanding access to education, data, and market tools, we’re helping producers build resilient operations and supporting the long-term health of the species.”

Three Partners, Three Distinct Programs

The NBPMG is administered by three Prime Grant Recipients, each running its own separate application process with distinct funding priorities, deadlines, and award sizes. 

The National Bison Association administers awards of up to $150,000, focused on industry-wide education, data tools, market valuation, and consumer outreach. [Learn more]

Mad Agriculture administers awards of up to $80,000, with a focus on on-ranch production, regenerative grazing, and business support for working bison producers. All Mad Agriculture awardees receive direct technical assistance as part of their award.  [Learn more]

Flower Hill Institute (a Native-owned nonprofit based in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico) administers awards of up to $150,000, focused on processing, value-added products, and business capacity with an Indigenous-centered approach. [Learn more]

The BPMGP is delivered in partnership with Mad Agriculture and Flower Hill Institute, each administering separate grant tracks focused on production, processing, and business capacity.

How the National Bison Association Will Use Funds

NBA subawards will support four priority areas designed to fill critical industry gaps:

Industry Analysis The NBA will fund the first comprehensive valuation of the U.S. bison supply chain, addressing the long-standing absence of bison-specific economic analysis. These studies will provide producers and marketers with essential data for business planning and industry decision-making.

Producer Education New, science-based bison management and marketing resources will be developed to replace outdated materials and expand access for producers, tribal herds, and conservation managers. Deliverables will include print, online, and video tools designed for broad national dissemination.

Marketing Resources The NBA will support the creation of high-quality bison meat photography, nutritional information, and consumer-facing graphics to help producers communicate the taste, nutrition, and ecological benefits of bison to the public.

GIS Mapping & Data Dissemination The NBA will invest in modern GIS-based mapping tools to visualize key industry data, including live animal sale information, state-by-state legal classifications, producer resources, and genetic tracking. These tools will be shared with tribal colleges, land-grant universities, public herd managers, and producers nationwide.

The National Bison Production and Marketing Grant is open to all eligible entities and is designed to support projects that strengthen the bison industry through education, market development, and improved data resources. Applicants begin by submitting a required Letter of Intent by June 29, 2026. Timelines for selection and review will vary by granting organization. Specific grant information is available at each organization’s website. 

About the National Bison Association: The National Bison Association (NBA) is a nonprofit membership association founded in 1995 and based in Westminster, Colorado. With more than 1,200 members across all 50 states, the NBA is the primary national organization serving the bison industry. Its mission is to bring together stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of American bison, to educate, and to create a sustainable future for the industry. Learn more at nationalbison.org 

About Mad Agriculture: Mad Agriculture is a Boulder, Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to create a regenerative revolution in agriculture. Founded in 2018, Mad Agriculture works directly with farmers and ranchers across the United States to strengthen production systems, business viability, and market access through integrated technical assistance, financial tools, and market development support. Learn more at madagriculture.org 

About Flower Hill Institute: Flower Hill Institute (FHI) is a Native-owned, community-directed 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. Founded in 2015, FHI’s mission is to build capacity for Tribes, Tribal communities, and Tribal citizens throughout the country through work in Indigenous food sovereignty, agricultural development, cultural preservation, and climate resilience. Learn more at flowerhill.institute
About USDA AMS: The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides services to help facilitate the marketing of agricultural products in domestic and international markets, while ensuring fair trading practices and promoting a competitive and efficient marketplace. This program is authorized under Division B, Title VII, Section 764 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-42).

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The Winter Conference will take place from Wednesday, January 21^st to Friday, January 23^rd, at the Omi Interlocken Hotel and Resort in Broomfield, Colorado. For the second year in a row, the industry’s largest gathering is sold out. Under the theme United We Roam, the conference program features an array of expert speakers who will present on topics ranging from bison herd health to marketplace updates to a panel of tribal buffalo restoration leaders and much more. The two-and-a-half-day event features four amazing bison-centric meals showcasing meats donated from the industry’s top marketers. The event also includes annual industry awards, recognitions, and hosts a 40-vendor trade show. Learn more by clicking here.

The NBA’s Gold Trophy Show and Sale, now in its 46^th year, will be held on Saturday, January 24^th, at the conclusion of the Winter Conference. This year’s sale features 71 head of top bison breeding stock from 19 consignors from the U.S. and Canada. Bid in person at the National Western Stock Show Stockyard Event Center or online, and get all the details here. Sale begins promptly at 10 am MST.

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Prices were higher across the board again this year and tracked with other sales around the country. We had another good set of animals with very few fly weights or disadvantaged animals in general. Consequently, the variances in the breakdown of typical weight and quality divisions were minimal. Meat market animals reflected the state of the industry—long on demand, across the board. Bidding was strong on all bull calves, with the majority bringing $5.50 to $5.70. Heifer calves averaged $4.67, with most solid heifers in the 4-weight range bringing $3.80 to $4.60. A number of heavyweight yearling bulls brought $3.10 to $3.20, while most yearling bulls ranged from $4.15 to $4.35. Fall calves fell into the calf range provided they weren’t disadvantaged, and good quality late calves pushed $5.00. Yearling heifers were fairly steady in the mid-$3 range. Two-year-old bulls weren’t really tested with just 13 head, but held steady at $3.50, while two-year-old open heifers had just 2 head.

Top bred heifers were in high demand, bringing $4,000 or better, and top bred cows were strong at $3,500. Opens brought $2.35 to $3.00. This was our 36th year at Farmers and Ranchers, and as usual, our hats are off to Mike and his crew. A special shoutout goes to Mason Winter and Winter Livestock at Farmers and Ranchers for allowing us to continue our tradition.

Looking ahead to next year, remember that live sales are the one true price discovery for this industry. Having those animals in front of you and all in one place is invaluable. Consider selling your stock with us—we’d love to have you. Many believe they can’t afford the commission, but when prices are this high, it’s hard to argue. Becoming established as a quality producer pays dividends, and when the market drops—as it inevitably will—the value of your animals selling at our sale will be realized over and over. Those who choose not to become established may be at the mercy of buyers looking to make up for lost revenues during the last run of high prices, and that will be at your expense. Just food for thought—value that for what it cost you to get it.

Thanks to buyers and consignors. It was our pleasure. For those who missed the opportunities, don’t miss next year. From all of us at the KBA Sale, Happy Holidays and have a great new year.

—Dick Gehring

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The Rich Zahringer Memorial Scholarship Fund will support $6,000 this year to students who focus on agricultural business and accounting. This is in recognition of the fund’s namesake, who was a longtime bison industry accountant and is among the pioneers of the modern bison-business. The scholarship is made possible by Rocky Mountain Natural Meats in Henderson, Colorado.

The Throlson American Bison Foundation is distributing $24,000 to recipients leading the way in bison-focused academics. The primary mission of the foundation is to annually award scholarships in bison related studies. Some previous winning students have pursued degrees in veterinary medicine (production or pathology research), nutrition (livestock or meat), animal science, and behavior science. One common theme they have all possessed is an interest in the advancement of the bison industry.

This year’s scholarship recipients include:

• Maite de Almeida, University of Saskatchewan
• Ekatrina Lopez-Bondarchuk, South Dakota State University
• Alex Sleep, West Texas A&M
• Angela Lemminger, South Dakota State University
• Joseph Vinod Varre, Utah State University
• Garrett Weldy, South Dakota State University
• Bree Eastman, Montana State University
• Kallen Kafka, South Dakota State University

The Throlson American Bison Foundation is named after its founder, Ken Throlson, DVM, a pioneer of the modern bison business and awards outstanding college students with an interest in the burgeoning bison industry. You can support the Throlson American Bison Scholarship by making a tax-deductible to the Throlson American Bison Foundation by contacting the NBA at (303) 292-2833 or by emailing info@nationalbison.org.

The NBA also has a Supporter membership for individuals that are interested in learning more about the bison business. NBA Supporter members can access educational resources on the website, receive discounted conference rates, consign animals to the Gold Trophy Show & Sale held in Denver in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show, and receive an e-subscription to Bison World and the NBA newsletter, the Weekly Update, among other benefits.

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The National Bison Association (NBA) thanks sponsors, Sens. Hoeven (R-ND) and Heinrich (D-NM) for seeing this bill through despite the current government shutdown. 

Once teetering on the brink of extinction with fewer than 1,000 animals remaining due to unregulated hunting, drought, and disease, the bison’s story is one of remarkable recovery. Thanks to a visionary coalition of ranchers, conservationists, tribal leaders, and federal officials, the species has rebounded to over 400,000 animals across North America. This enduring partnership led to the bison’s designation as the National Mammal in 2016 and continues to drive its restoration to native landscapes.

On National Bison Day, communities across the country—including bison farms and ranches, zoos, Native American tribes, museums, parks, and more—will host events to celebrate the species and educate the public. The NBA, a not-for-profit trade association representing bison producers in every U.S. state, Canadian province, and six countries, invites all bison enthusiasts to join in the festivities and learn more about this extraordinary animal at nationalbison.org.

Today’s bison producers are stewards of the land, replicating the species’ innate grazing behavior through regenerative ranching practices that support healthy grasslands, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. Bison are “Regenerative by Nature”—undomesticated animals that retain their natural instincts, birth cycles, and self-sufficiency. They are not artificially inseminated, do not receive growth stimulants, and are raised without branding, castration, or selective breeding. This approach ensures humane treatment that preserves the species’ integrity while producing a lean, nutrient-dense meat that has become a sought-after delicacy among chefs and households alike.

Bison’s unique role in sustainable agriculture has positioned it as a thriving sector in the American marketplace. Bison meat is entirely born, raised, and processed in the U.S. and Canada. As consumer demand grows, so does the need for responsible producers. The NBA is actively recruiting new bison stewards who adhere to its ethical standards and holistic management practices.

As we celebrate National Bison Day, we honor not just the animal itself, but the collaborative spirit that saved it, the regenerative practices that sustain it, and the communities that continue to champion its success. Join us in recognizing the American Bison—a living symbol of resilience, restoration, and regeneration.

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Total sale entries will be capped at 110 animals. Categories range from calves up to two-year-olds in both the bull and heifer divisions.

Consignments are being accepted online by clicking here. Interested consignors can view the sale rules and health requirements here. Questions about the GTSS can be addressed to the NBA office at (303) 292-2833 ext. 703, or by emailing karen@nationalbison.org.

The sale annually attracts some of the top breeding stock across the U.S. and Canada. The animals purchased in Denver are commonly used to improve existing herd genetics or act as seed stock to new and beginning ranches.

Twenty-four consignors brought animals to the 2025 GTSS, including four new ranches. The top-selling bull brought in $25,000 while the highest selling female reached $16,000. Those figures represent the highest selling male and female among public auctions within the U.S. during the 2024-2025 auction season.

The press and general public are encouraged to see the animals and meet ranchers on Friday, January 23 at the bison pens outside the NWSS stockyard Event Center. This is a great opportunity to view animals and learn more from the sale’s bison handlers. Conference attendees will also be on hand at the stockyards during that time.

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Last year, upwards of 600 attendees packed the Omni Interlocken Hotel as the NBA celebrated its 30th anniversary. This year, organizers anticipate another capacity crowd will roam the premier conference in the bison world, along with the Gold Trophy Show and Sale (GTSS).

Conference planning is well underway, and attendees can look forward to a wide range of topics that will provide an opportunity to learn, network, and enjoy the finer tastes of bison served up for each meal. Subject matter experts from around the industry will be on hand to weigh in on topics that matter to producers, such as raising market-ready calves, an M. Bovis update, and the popular marketers’ panel discussion. A mentor session will offer new and aspiring bison ranchers the opportunity to learn from seasoned veterans while striking up new friendships.

In conjunction with the Winter Conference, the GTSS will take place on Saturday, January 24, at the National Western Stock Show. Conference attendees will have a chance to preview the sale as programming will take place in the sale arena on the stock show grounds on Friday, January 23, allowing everyone to see the animals up close before the auction.

The Omni Interlocken Hotel is located less than two miles from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) and 28 miles from the Denver International Airport (DEN). It offers complimentary self-parking for guests, including generous parking for livestock trailers. Free busing to and from the Omni to the National Western Stock Show grounds will be provided on Friday and Saturday of the conference for all conference attendees.

There will also be opportunities for trade show vendors and sponsorships. Support of the NBA Winter Conference allows organizations to reach over 600 in-person attendees and 5,000+ bison stewards through event communications. Exhibit spaces will be first-come, first-served. Other sponsorship opportunities are also available – email info@nationalbison.org for more information on customized sponsorship packages.

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The White House, in its announcement of the details of the recent trade deal, specifically states, “The European Union intends to eliminate tariffs on all U.S. industrial goods and to provide preferential market access for a wide range of U.S. seafood and agricultural goods, including tree nuts, dairy products, fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, processed foods, planting seeds, soybean oil, and pork and bison meat.”

The NBA has requested a duty-free arrangement for bison meat imports into the EU to meet existing consumer demand from Europeans, who appreciate sustainably raised food products that have cultural significance and are delicious, which bison offers in abundance. Further, bison is exclusively raised by responsible stewards in the U.S. and Canada, posing no competition to EU farmers and ranchers.

Said NBA Executive Director, Jim Matheson, “This trade agreement with the EU is a welcome sign that as our members raise more bison across North America, there is growing global demand and appreciation for its end products, which ultimately is restoring the bison species to its native landscape.”

The agreement also puts the U.S. on equal footing with Canada, which for years has enjoyed duty-free access to the EU with its bison products, while American marketers faced a 20% tariff on the same imports. This will allow for a more robust supply of bison for European consumers to enjoy, while collectively growing the bison industry’s market share.

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