Denver, CO (January 12, 2015) \u2013 Twenty years after the leaders of two buffalo groups came together to forge the National Bison Association, an estimated 350 ranchers, marketers and bison enthusiasts will gather January 21-23 at the Denver Renaissance Hotel to celebrate the current success and plan for future growth, according to Dave Carter, executive director of the association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe bison business is finishing 2014 in its strongest economic position in history,\u201d Carter said. \u201cRanchers are in a position to restore more bison to more of its native rangeland, primarily because the public has discovered the great taste and nutritional attributes of all-natural bison meat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 20th anniversary conference will feature several segments to reflect on the past two decades, but Carter said that the majority of sessions will focus on continuing to grow the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRight now, our biggest challenge is to continue to build herds of bison across the United States. The National Bison Association Winter Conference is the perfect gathering place for anyone to learn about the opportunities to get involved in this growing segment of agriculture,\u201d Carter said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the conference educational sessions will take place on Thursday, January 22nd. A special Buffalo Mentors\u2019 Workshop planned at 10 a.m. on the 22nd will connect bison newcomers with experienced ranchers in their region. That afternoon, a series of break-out sessions will cover topics ranging from animal handling and pasture management, to social media and marketing byproducts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe greatest value in the conference is the opportunity to develop connections and relationships with fellow producers,\u201d Carter said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n