March 11 buffalo production workshop for a growing industry

“With calf prices generally under $1.15 a pound, while bison calves are bringing $1.40 a pound, some cattle producers might be interested in raising bison,” says Rick DeLoughery, Sitting Bull College bison education coordinator.
  DeLoughery added, “For the last year the hot hanging weight for bison carcasses has been about $2.40 per pound. For cattle at this time it is closer to $1.40 a pound. The bison industry has so much demand for meat that we need more bison producers.”
   For this reason the fourth annual Bison - Tatanka Care and Culture Workshop has one speaker on the agenda that will talk about the question “Should I raise bison?”
   This workshop on raising bison will be held  from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m March 11 at the Science & Technology Center at Sitting Bull College at Fort Yates, N.D.
   The first speaker is David Hump, bison rancher near Red Scaffold, and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He will talk about our spiritual connections to the animals we raise.
   Tom LeFaive, manager of Bad River Ranches at Ft. Pierre, will address the question:  “Should I Raise Bison?”
   Duane Lammers, 25 year bison rancher and consultant from Rapid City, will talk about bison behavior, corrals, and handling bison. He will also give a second talk on bison herd management, which will include grazing, husbandry, and genetic conservation. He will share the results of research he has conducted for his master’s degree.
  Duane has a B.S. in Animal Science and Ag Economics, has managed bison for numerous film productions, and has learned and now teaches gentle herding techniques. He is also a consultant for numerous organizations regarding corral design and herd management.
  Dan O’Brien, a widely known author, bison rancher and wildlife biologist, will talk about the new mobile slaughter facility which enables a humane harvest of buffalo in the pasture.
   Dr. Jesse Vollmer, assistant state veterinarian for the North Dakota Board of Animal Health, will round out the program with a lesson on Bison Health and related issues. This will be followed by a round-table discussion by all present.
   This bison workshop is free, however pre-registration is requested for meal planning. If you plan to come, please call Sybil Clown or Rick DeLoughery at the McLaughlin campus of Sitting Bull College: 605-823-4318 by March 9.