Nearly 120 head of the top bison breeding stock from around the United States and Canada have new homes following the National Bison Association’s (NBA) Gold Trophy Show and Sale (GTSS). The 2025 sale saw a 20 percent increase in consigned animals from a year ago, reflecting the growing strength within the bison live animal market.
The highest selling animal was a yearling bull consigned by Iron River Elk & Bison of Iron River, Alberta, Canada, which brought $25,000. The highest selling female was a two-year-old bred heifer for $16,000 from 2J Bison out of Terreton, Idaho.
Said NBA Executive Director, Jim Matheson, “The Gold Trophy Show and Sale is known for offering the top breeding genetics in the bison business, and this year was no exception. As the judges attested to, all of this year’s bison were top-notch animals that made their job extra difficult. These bison will go on to start and expand herds across the continent for years to come, assisting with the restoration of the species and supporting our growing market.”
The sale took place Saturday, January 25, on the grounds of the National Western Stock Show. This year marked the 45th anniversary of the GTSS.
Altogether, 24 consignors brought animals to the sale, ranging from calves to two-years old. The auction was called by Quality Auction Services, INC., out of Rapid City, South Dakota.
The GTSS capped off a four-day celebration of bison in conjunction with the NBA’s winter conference, which brought in nearly 600 attendees.