The National Bison Association (NBA) announces that applications are now open for the National Bison Production and Marketing Grant (NBPMG), funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Bison Production and Marketing Grant Program (BPMGP). As one of three Prime Grant Recipients, the NBA will administer awards of up to $150,000 to advance producer education, market development, and industry-wide data tools.
This national $3.8 million initiative addresses long-standing challenges in the bison sector, including limited access to modern educational resources, a lack of comprehensive industry valuation, and gaps in data dissemination. Through this program, the NBA aims to strengthen the economic foundation of the bison industry and support producers across all sectors.
“This grant represents a historic investment in the future of the bison industry,” said Jim Matheson, Executive Director of the National Bison Association. “By expanding access to education, data, and market tools, we’re helping producers build resilient operations and supporting the long-term health of the species.”
Three Partners, Three Distinct Programs
The NBPMG is administered by three Prime Grant Recipients, each running its own separate application process with distinct funding priorities, deadlines, and award sizes.
The National Bison Association administers awards of up to $150,000, focused on industry-wide education, data tools, market valuation, and consumer outreach. [Learn more]
Mad Agriculture administers awards of up to $80,000, with a focus on on-ranch production, regenerative grazing, and business support for working bison producers. All Mad Agriculture awardees receive direct technical assistance as part of their award. [Learn more]
Flower Hill Institute (a Native-owned nonprofit based in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico) administers awards of up to $150,000, focused on processing, value-added products, and business capacity with an Indigenous-centered approach. [Learn more]
The BPMGP is delivered in partnership with Mad Agriculture and Flower Hill Institute, each administering separate grant tracks focused on production, processing, and business capacity.
How the National Bison Association Will Use Funds
NBA subawards will support four priority areas designed to fill critical industry gaps:
Industry Analysis The NBA will fund the first comprehensive valuation of the U.S. bison supply chain, addressing the long-standing absence of bison-specific economic analysis. These studies will provide producers and marketers with essential data for business planning and industry decision-making.
Producer Education New, science-based bison management and marketing resources will be developed to replace outdated materials and expand access for producers, tribal herds, and conservation managers. Deliverables will include print, online, and video tools designed for broad national dissemination.
Marketing Resources The NBA will support the creation of high-quality bison meat photography, nutritional information, and consumer-facing graphics to help producers communicate the taste, nutrition, and ecological benefits of bison to the public.
GIS Mapping & Data Dissemination The NBA will invest in modern GIS-based mapping tools to visualize key industry data, including live animal sale information, state-by-state legal classifications, producer resources, and genetic tracking. These tools will be shared with tribal colleges, land-grant universities, public herd managers, and producers nationwide.
The National Bison Production and Marketing Grant is open to all eligible entities and is designed to support projects that strengthen the bison industry through education, market development, and improved data resources. Applicants begin by submitting a required Letter of Intent by June 29, 2026. Timelines for selection and review will vary by granting organization. Specific grant information is available at each organization’s website.
About the National Bison Association: The National Bison Association (NBA) is a nonprofit membership association founded in 1995 and based in Westminster, Colorado. With more than 1,200 members across all 50 states, the NBA is the primary national organization serving the bison industry. Its mission is to bring together stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of American bison, to educate, and to create a sustainable future for the industry. Learn more at nationalbison.org
About Mad Agriculture: Mad Agriculture is a Boulder, Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to create a regenerative revolution in agriculture. Founded in 2018, Mad Agriculture works directly with farmers and ranchers across the United States to strengthen production systems, business viability, and market access through integrated technical assistance, financial tools, and market development support. Learn more at madagriculture.org
About Flower Hill Institute: Flower Hill Institute (FHI) is a Native-owned, community-directed 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico. Founded in 2015, FHI’s mission is to build capacity for Tribes, Tribal communities, and Tribal citizens throughout the country through work in Indigenous food sovereignty, agricultural development, cultural preservation, and climate resilience. Learn more at flowerhill.institute
About USDA AMS: The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides services to help facilitate the marketing of agricultural products in domestic and international markets, while ensuring fair trading practices and promoting a competitive and efficient marketplace. This program is authorized under Division B, Title VII, Section 764 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-42).