Celebrating a BIG Anniversary – Bison Style!
Celebrating a BIG Anniversary – Bison Style!
By Beverly Brown, NBA Winter Conference Committee Chair
Ready to celebrate a big anniversary, bison style? Then make plans to attend the National Bison Association’s 30th Winter Conference and Gold Trophy Show and Sale Jan. 22-25, 2025 at the Omni Hotel in Broomfield, Colorado. Since the pearl is the traditional gemstone of a 30th anniversary, our theme will be “Bison: Pearl of the Prairie.”
As is the tradition with NBA conferences, our 30th anniversary meeting will be part business, part family reunion, part competition, part shopping trip and 100 percent fun. There will be educational opportunities galore, plus plenty of time for socializing and networking.
Among the educational opportunities will be the ever-popular and always-fresh Bison 101 session. This year’s leader will be Dr. Jeff Martin of South Dakota State University’s Center for Bison Studies. The content will be useful for both new bison producers and veterans eager to learn more about managing bison. Presenters in this session will cover several topics, one of which is the nutrition and mineral needs of our herds — a subject that has had little scientific research until recently.
Other educational sessions will focus on new EID ear-tagging rules, bison markets, sustainability practices, herdsmanship techniques, state-by-state bison laws and overall bison health management.
The 2025 recipe contest will have a “South of the Border” theme. There will be a special grand-prize charcuterie board from artist Wes Olson, plus cash prizes.
And get your camera ready: we’ll have a return of the ever-popular bison photo contests for adults and youth, also with cash prizes. As we all know, there’s no animal more photogenic than our beloved national mammal!
The fun auction dinner will be on Thursday night, and we expect a bumper crop of great items for bids. If at all possible, please plan to bring a quality bison auction item to donate for the auction.
The big banquet on Friday evening will be memorable and delicious. We’ve got a surprise on tap for the beginning of the banquet, so don’t be late! During the festivities we’ll have our drawings for some amazing raffle items, including a bison-themed king-sized quilt from Debbie Theiman, a decorated bison skull from Benjamin Lee Bison, a charcuterie board from Wes Olson, plus a “Mystery Box” with special prizes to thrill any bison aficionado.
No conference would be complete without our vendors, of course. They have a knack for coming up with more unique bison-centric merchandise every year. Where else can you shop for anything from bison jewelry to bison handling equipment in one place?
And, of course, there’s the big event — the Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Stockyards in Denver. On Friday, several NBA activities will be held at the yards, and bus transportation will be provided. Treat yourself to an up-close view of top-quality bison from herds all over the United States and Canada competing for top honors.
The annual live auction at the yards on Saturday is your opportunity to take home some top-notch animals, so bring your trailer. Buying Gold Trophy breeding stock to improve your herd’s bloodlines is an unforgettable thrill for a bison producer.
Also at the yards will be the National Western Rodeo and Stock Show. The National Western always has a vibrant state fair atmosphere along with an amazing array of food, vendors and activities.
Bottom line: The 30th anniversary of the NBA is an event you won’t want to miss. Conference registration, hotel reservations and bison consignments are now open at www.bisoncentral.com. Make your reservations soon, because our limited number of discount hotel rooms are available on a first-come basis until Jan. 3 or when our NBA block is full, whichever comes first.
By the way, resort fees will be waived for registered hotel guests. Guest amenities include spa, pool and hot tub access, five bars and restaurants and free parking — including room for trailers.
Our 30th anniversary is shaping up to be an event that we’ll all remember, so don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of it. Dust off your pearls and best boots and we’ll see you in January!