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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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The American Bison, whose population once exceeded 30 million animals across North America, was decimated to near extinction in the late 19^th century through a combination of hunting, slaughter, drought, and introduced disease. However, the bison have made a tremendous comeback and now number over 400,000 across the continent. This is thanks to a unique collaboration among American farmers and ranchers, Native American tribes, and conservation groups all working to restore the species to its historic range. It is this collection of bison stakeholders that also successfully lobbied to make the American bison the first-ever National Mammal of the United States in 2016.

By adding bison to your diet, you are eating a delicious, naturally raised, nutrient-dense protein that is healthy for you and good for the environment. In choosing bison, you are helping to restore herds to North American grasslands while supporting regenerative agriculture.  In short, by supporting bison ranchers, consumers are in turn supporting grassland regeneration, carbon sequestration, soil regeneration, increased biodiversity, and more bison on the landscape!

July Bison Month, while not a federally designated observance, is celebrated each July by the bison community and is a time in which bison stewards promote the delicious taste of bison burgers, steaks, ribs, and roasts as a summer grilling treat. Bison is the leanest protein commercially available to consumers today, which is supremely nutritious with 26% more iron and 87% lower in fat than conventional beef, for example. Bison has 766% more B12 vitamins than chicken and 32% less fat based on nutrient data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  

Bison is easier to find than ever, with all major grocery chains carrying at least ground bison, packaged steaks, and fresh cuts available at natural and specialty food stores, local butchers, etc. Bison is also showing up on more restaurant menus, and not just bison burgers, as chefs discover the versatility of this uniquely American protein.  And that’s not to mention bison’s growing prevalence online, at farmers’ markets, farm stores, and in CSA programs.  

Find a local bison producer near you, or order online with the National Bison Association’s handy online buyer’s guide, available at https://nationalbison.org/buying-bison-meat/, and find bison-specific recipes, nutritional data, cuts, and instructional cooking videos at https://nationalbison.org/how-to-cook-bison/.    

About the NBA
The NBA is a member-based non-profit association of producers, processors, marketers, and bison enthusiasts. The mission of the National Bison Association is to bring together stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of American bison, to educate, and to create a sustainable future for our industry. Learn more at nationalbison.org, or @nationalbison.

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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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As a keystone species, bison shape and sustain the landscapes they roam. Their presence enriches grasslands, supports biodiversity, and reflects a conservation story unlike any other. The National Mammal designation honors not only the ecological power of these “ecosystem engineers,” but also the cultural, historical, and economic significance they hold for Tribal Nations, ranchers, conservationists, and communities across the country.

On May 9, 2016, President Barack Obama signed the bipartisan Bison Legacy Act, officially recognizing the North American bison as our National Mammal. The legislation celebrated the species’ extraordinary recovery from near extinction and acknowledged its deep ties to Indigenous peoples, its role in shaping the American West, and its growing importance in regenerative agriculture and conservation.

The effort to secure this designation was led by a broad coalition, including the National Bison Association (NBA), the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC), and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) — a testament to the shared commitment to honoring and protecting this iconic species.

Throughout the year, communities nationwide will host “Bison‑tennial” celebrations, bringing people together to reflect on the bison’s past, celebrate its present, and look toward a vibrant future. The NBA is proud to join partners, producers, and Tribal Nations in recognizing the bison’s enduring legacy and its rightful place as the National Mammal of the United States.

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25 hr./week – Part-Time Position

The National Bison Association (NBA) is seeking a work-from-home, part-time Membership Coordinator to be based in the Rapid City, SD area. While no bison-related experience is necessary, this individual should be committed to customer service and pay great attention to detail. The position requires no out-of-state travel and is not expected to exceed 25 hours per week. A laptop will be provided, and a $40/month stipend will be paid for the use of the employee’s cell phone and internet. Compensation is commensurate with experience and knowledge. Under the general direction of the executive director, the membership coordinator performs a full range of member-related duties, including communication, records management, data analysis, fiscal, and administrative activities for the National Bison Association.

Responsibilities

• Process new members
  • Updating website, emailing/calling members, coordinating new member packet
• Print, mail, and email dues statements to members monthly
• Assist members as needed with dues and member benefit-related questions
• Maintain an every-other-month membership report
• Call and email past due members to reconcile all membership accounts
• Reconcile all membership accounts and maintain primary tracking database
• Collect and deposit checks weekly from the NBA office in Rapid City, SD
• Scan checks and enter them into a check log spreadsheet
• Other duties may be assigned as the position evolves

Desired Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in records management and/or member relations preferred
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Ability to communicate and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work both unsupervised and as part of a remote-working team.
• Understanding of Microsoft Office products and Google Workspace

How to apply

To apply, please send an email to jim@nationalbison.org explaining your interest in the position, and include a resume with contact information, including email and phone. The position will begin on April 1^st. Email questions to jim@nationalbison.org. No phone calls, please.

About the NBA

The NBA is a member-based non-profit association of producers, processors, marketers, and bison enthusiasts. The mission of the National Bison Association is to bring together stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of American bison, to educate, and to create a sustainable future for our industry. Learn more at nationalbison.org, or @nationalbison.

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Specifically, the trade agreement states: “Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO), through its Designated Representative, shall cooperate with AIT, through its Designated Representative, to complete the regulatory process to allow imports into the territory represented by TECRO of bison meat and bison meat products certified using an FSIS export certificate or electronic data elements, without undue delay.”

 The NBA has long lobbied both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the United States Trade Representative’s office to work towards opening Taiwan to bison meat imports, along with other Pacific Rim nations, including Japan and Korea. The NBA also advocates against the application of existing BSE  rules to bison. These rules have long prevented bison from entering Asian markets, despite the fact that no confirmed case of BSE has ever occurred in North American bison.

Said NBA Executive Director, Jim Matheson, “This is great news that will help continue to grow the bison herd and the industry. It also sets the very important precedent that BSE regulations should not be applied to bison, because, plain and simple, we’ve never had a case of BSE in the bison supply chain. Taiwan offers a lucrative opportunity for all US bison marketers and producers, and will add significant value to the growing bison export market. We expect to see Japan and Korea continue to pursue access with this news, further growing opportunities for our business.”

 The NBA thanks the US Trade Representative’s Office and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service for their efforts and support in successfully including bison in these negotiations. The association looks forward to developing the bison meat market in Taiwan and introducing this uniquely American delicacy to the Taiwanese people. 

About the NBA
The NBA is a member-based non-profit association of producers, processors, marketers, and bison enthusiasts. The mission of the National Bison Association is to bring together stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of American bison, to educate, and to create a sustainable future for our industry. Learn more at nationalbison.org, or @nationalbison.

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When the snow settled and the competition wrapped up, Delaney McGowen of Eastern Wyoming College earned the top collegiate ranking. Teigen Derner of Laramie County 4‑H won the senior high division, and Lucy Hester of West Grand Elementary/Middle School claimed top honors in the junior division. The Eastern Wyoming College team of Cort Bannan, Rebecca Gardner, Delaney McGowen, and Anthony Quick secured the top team award.

Ava Roundy of Eastern Wyoming College placed second in the collegiate division. In the senior division, Hudson Wright of Laramie County 4‑H took second, followed by Brylee Snell of Laramie County 4‑H in third. In the junior division, Spencer Bohnenkamp of Mountain Grove placed second, and Lilyko Suzuki of Bibber Creek placed third. Rounding out the team rankings, the Eastern Wyoming College group of Ellen Hartman, Ava Roundy, Athena Swinart, and Conley Hogland earned second place, with the Laramie County 4‑H team of Hudson Wright, Walter Martinz, Allis Martinz, and Teigen Derner finishing third.

The top three junior competitors received plaques, while senior and collegiate top finishers were awarded plaques and scholarships. The National Bison Association extends its gratitude to the scholarship sponsors: Twin Brook Farm, Canadian River Bison, Texoma Bison Company, National Buffalo Foundation, Rocky Mountain Bison Association, and Rocky Mountain Natural Meats. Collaboration across the bison industry ensures that knowledge and passion for bison are passed on to the next generation.

John Graves, President of the Rocky Mountain Bison Association and event organizer, shared, “This year’s Junior Judging event was fantastic, and the participants had a wonderful time despite the cold and snow. The GTSS animals were some of the highest‑quality we’ve had, making judging quite a challenge—but one the kids rose to. GTSS Judge Dr. Gerald Parsons helped select the classes and added a few challenging animals to really test the students. Overall, the kids performed well in the live animal placings. Over the years, participants have continued to improve their oral reasons, and this year was no exception, with very thorough and convincing presentations. We look forward to continuing to grow participation in this event.”

The Junior Judging competition is held annually at the National Western Stock Show and is organized by the National Bison Association and the Rocky Mountain Bison Association, which together represent more than 1,200 members across all 50 states and 10 foreign countries.

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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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The NBA’s 2025 conference season was our most successful yet, with four regional summer conferences drawing over 350 attendees to working bison operations across the North, South, East, and West, and a sold‑out Winter Conference welcoming more than 600 participants. Members showcased incredible talent—from hands‑on cooking demos like Benjamin Lee Bison’s sous vide session to a vibrant new research poster showcase featuring 25 cutting‑edge projects spanning restoration, nutrition, herd health, ecology, and industry innovation. These gatherings highlight the strength of our member‑led education model, where hosts shape the programming, experts share practical insights, and bison stewards build meaningful connections that strengthen the entire community.

The NBA’s consumer and producer outreach efforts reached new heights in 2025, thanks to strong support from the member‑driven Growth Fund. We connected with consumers at 14 in‑person events where chefs showcased bison “beyond the buffalo burger,” introducing attendees to premium cuts and creative dishes, while social media collaborations with young culinary influencers generated nearly 1.5 million impressions. At the same time, we expanded producer outreach through booths at farm shows and soil health conferences, helping current and future producers understand the value bison can bring to their operations. With 40% growth in in‑person outreach, 45 member contributors to the Growth Fund, and bison featured at 29 total events, the NBA is strengthening awareness, education, and enthusiasm across the entire industry. Looking ahead, we’re investing 20% more Growth Fund dollars into outreach and education in 2026 to keep this momentum strong.

The NBA is committed to empowering producers with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive, offering members access to live bison pricing, herd health insights, production expense data, digital marketing resources, and a library of more than 150 educational videos. Behind the scenes, the NBA also works to ensure fair access to federal cost‑share programs and FSA financing through strong business planning support and market data. Our focus on herd health continues to drive meaningful progress, securing federal funding for bison‑specific research and uniting leading scientists to advance the species. Following the momentum of the 2024 International Bison Health Symposium, the NBA is actively engaged in multiple grant‑funded projects—including studies on body condition scoring, winter bale grazing, and the development of a national herd health network—while also updating all educational tools through a new USDA grant. At the federal level, we are advocating for dedicated agricultural funding to support long‑term, bison‑specific herd health initiatives.

The NBA had a strong year of advocacy in 2025, working closely with Congress and federal agencies to support bison producers and expand opportunities across the industry. Our in‑person lobbying trips, National Bison Day celebrations, and ongoing agency engagement helped secure major wins, including $1.75 million in Senate funding for MCF research, a new $5 million producer marketing grant program, continued vaccine development, and the addition of bison to key APHIS and NRCS programs. We also strengthened market access through tariff eliminations and new trade opportunities, ensured producers remain eligible for FSA support programs, and continued important work with FDA on clear labeling for bison products. Altogether, these accomplishments reflect the NBA’s commitment to fair policy, strong representation, and a thriving future for bison stewards.

As we carry this momentum forward, we invite you to help strengthen the work of the National Bison Association in an even more meaningful way. Contributions to the Growth Fund or through NBA sponsorships provide essential support, ensuring we remain responsive to our members and able to advance the mission we all care about. Whether through a cash gift, a donor‑advised fund, or another form of support, your generosity directly fuels the programs, advocacy, and resources that uplift bison stewards nationwide. By making a gift to the NBA, you’re not only supporting today’s work—you’re helping create a lasting legacy for the future of bison across the country. Email info@nationalbison.org, or call (303) 292-2833, ext. 700 to learn more.

CLICK HERE to explore the entire 2025 National Bison Association Year End Report.

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