What a year for the bison community! From sold‑out conferences and hands‑on learning to big outreach wins, groundbreaking research, new producer tools, and major policy victories in D.C., the NBA is charging forward stronger than ever. Thanks to our incredible members and partners for helping us grow, connect, and champion bison nationwide!
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.