2026 Southern Regional Bison Conference
Southern Regional Bison Conference
May 29 & 30, 2026 – Cookeville, TN – Lazy G Ranch
Address: 6070 Dodson Branch Rd, Cookeville, TN 38501
Registration Deadline: May 15, 2026
Scholarships available for this event. Click HERE to apply.
Your Tennessee-Bison Adventure Starts Here. Enjoy an outdoor experience with roaring rivers, over 150 waterfalls, wooded hiking trails and canyon gorges that are calling your name. After sunset, enjoy the nightlife with four-star dining, local pubs and breweries, and shopping all in the historic walkable downtown in Cookeville.
From our hosts, Eddie and Frida Gaw and Family:
We are excited to see you in May! On a normal basis the ranch has 120 acres and raises approximately 150 Bison. We provide school tours with children coming from all over Middle Tennessee. The school tours consist of wagon rides around the fields and enjoy snacks at the event center while learning the history and future of Bison. Our plans are to continue our live nativity and Christmas lights each year, annual stew cook and add concerts and event center. The Lazy G store is open on Thursday and Friday 11am to 6pm, selling Bison meat, shirts and novelties.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
-Refund Policy: Refund requests must be submitted to the NBA in writing by email to lydia@nationalbison.org. The National Bison Association will provide a 100% refund for requests received 20 days prior to the event. Members requesting a refund 6-19 days before the event will receive 50% of their paid registration fee. No refunds will be given on 5 days or less from an event, but registrations can be transferred at no charge if the NBA is contacted prior to the day of the event(s).
-Attendees are responsible for their own travel arrangements. No bussing services will be provided.
-Hotel Room blocks are held at the following hotels.
-Additional accommodation options and community information available at: https://www.visitcookevilletn.com/
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cookeville
1250 Sams Street Cookeville, Tennessee, USA, 38506
931-548-0950
- Room block for “Bison Conference” at $119/ Night
- Last Day to Book : Friday, May 08, 2026
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Cookeville
1200 Sams Street Cookeville, Tennessee, USA, 38506
931-854-1050
- Room block for “Bison Conference” at $109/ Night
- Last Day to Book : Friday, May 08, 2026
The Agenda:
Friday, May 29th
3:00 PM – Registration open at Lazy G Ranch
4:00 PM – Handling Facility Tour and Conversation with Chad Kremer
5:00 PM – Social Hour with Live Music
6:00 PM – Supper – Bison Fajita Bar
Saturday, May 30th
8:00 AM – Coffee Bar Opens at Lazy G Ranch
9:00 AM – Conference Welcome and Overview
10:00 AM – Dave and Liz Schroth – Bison Nutrition
11:00 AM – Dr. Joe Smith – Parasites in the Southern and Eastern Regions
12:00 PM – Lunch – Bison Burgers and Hotdogs
1:00 PM – Bison Markets and Opportunities
2:00 PM – Body Condition Scoring
3:00 PM – Bison Mineral Supplementation
4:00 PM – Bison Producer Panel
5:00 PM Social Hour with Live Music
6:00 PM – Bison Steak Supper
NOTE: The schedule is subject to change as more great aspects are added to the lineup.