*PLEASE NOTE: Registration is now closed. Please call, text or email Jen Graves tonight at 720-891-9360 or jennifer.nmn.gray@gmail.com if you are interested in attending. We cannot guarantee a space, but will accommodate if we can.
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Spring 2024 Conference Registration Fee
Fees cover Friday’s dinner, Saturday’s lite breakfast and lunch, and any conference materials provided.
Registration (available until February 23)
- Member: $130
- Non-Member: $180
- Children (5-17 years old): $50
Late Registration (after February 23)
- Member: $180
- Non-Member: $210
- Children (5-17 years old): $50
If you are interested in attending after Feb. 23, contact Board Secretary Jennifer Graves at jennifer.nmn.gray@gmail.com. We will try to accommodate, but we are not able to guarantee spaces will be available. (This is an external restraint that we do not have control over. We have to confirm the number of attendees with the hotel for room/seating arrangements and the purchase of food prior to this date.)
Children 4 and under are free.
Location & Hotel
Fort Collins Marriott
350 East Horsetooth Road
Fort Collins, CO 80525
Hotel reservations can be made online here or by calling 1-800-342-4398. Mention you are with the Rocky Mountain Bison Association Spring Conference and receive the rate of $135/night.
Conference Agenda
We have great topics and speakers set for our spring conference. You’ll hear from industry experts, National Bison Association Leadership, and fellow ranchers. We also have plenty of networking and social opportunities for you to take part in. And don’t forget your items for the Bison Fun Auction on Friday night!
Friday, March 1
| 1:30 p.m. | Conference Check-In |
| 2 p.m. | Considerations for Risk Management, Thoughts for Practical & Timely Decision-Making Strategies – Chad Kremer, Kremer Buffalo |
| 3 p.m. | Making Animal Health Decisions as a Rancher – Ken Klemm, Prairie Legends Bison |
| 4 p.m. | Membership Meeting and Elections |
| 5 p.m. | Tales from the Pasture Social Hour |
| 6 p.m. | Banquet Dinner & Games – Sponsored by Frontier Natural Meats |
| 7 p.m. | Benefit Auction – Conducted by Jud Seaman, Quality Auction Services |
Saturday, March 2
| 8 a.m. | Lite Breakfast |
| 9 a.m. | Bison Transport Rules & Regulations, Road & Veterinarian Requirements” – Dr. Gillian Gwartz, Program Veterinarian, Colorado Department of Agriculture |
| 10 a.m. | Benchmarking the U.S. Bison Meat Industry: Stakeholder Perceptions, Production Parameters & Live Animal Factors Affecting Meat Quality” – David Velazco, CSU |
| 10:45 a.m. | Break |
| 11 a.m. | New Grants and Programs to Help Bison Ranchers – Jim Mathison, NBA |
| 12 noon | Bison Lunch Buffet – Sponsored by High Plains Bison |
|
1 p.m. |
Marketers Panel on Developing Relationships with Buyers and Processors
· Ace Ward, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats · Greg Nott, Memphis Ranch · Michael Wailes, Black Mountain Bison |
| 2:15 p.m. | Break |
|
2:30 p.m. |
Micro Conversations with Bison Mentors
· Jaymee Lewis, Big E Game Ranch · Kent Caudill, KB Crescent Ranch · Jim Beauprez, Eagle’s Wing Ranch · John Graves, JG Bison |
| 4 p.m. | Conference Ends |
| 4:30 p.m. | Board Meeting (Newly Elected Board Members Will Be Asked to Join) |
| 6 p.m. | Board Dinner |
Conference Sponsors
A huge thank you to our generous sponsors, Frontiere Natural Meats – donating our Friday night banquet bison steaks, High Plains Bison – donating our Saturday bison lunch buffet, and the talented Jud Seaman of Quality Auctions Services – conducting out benefit auction.
Conference Information
For any additional information on the conference, contact John Graves at 303-887-9677 or Jennifer Graves at 720-891-9360.