Bison Events & Regional Ranch Tours
Stay connected with the bison community through our signature educational conferences and ranch tours. From the high-energy Gold Trophy Show at the NWSS to intimate tours of working ranches across Colorado, Wyoming, and the Rocky Mountain Region, our events provide hands-on learning and networking for bison producers of all levels.
Upcoming Events
2026 Fall Ranch Tour & Social
Exact details are being finalized for a wonderful tour of multiple bison ranches in southwestern Colorado over a weekend at the end of August.
The Larry Higgins Bison Junior Judging Contest
Held annually at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, this premier contest is hosted by the National Bison Association and the RMBA. It provides a unique, hands-on opportunity for participants ages 8–21 to evaluate elite bison livestock and compete for academic scholarship prizes.
Historical Photos and 30 Years of RMBA
2026 marks our 30th anniversary as a leader in the bison industry. For three decades, the Rocky Mountain Bison Association has remained dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the American Bison. Explore our Historical Scrapbook and anniversary presentation to see the faces, ranches, and milestones that have shaped our journey from a local group to a premier regional authority.
Bison Conference
Join us each spring for our premier educational event, featuring industry experts and keynote speakers dedicated to the advancement of bison ranching. Our sessions cover critical topics for modern producers, including:
- Environmental Stewardship: Advanced strategies for soil health, rangeland management, and drought resilience.
- Bison Herd Health: Expert insights into veterinary care, low-stress handling techniques, and vaccination protocols.
- Ranch Business & Finance: Practical guidance on bison financing, business planning, and market trends.
- Industry Advocacy & News: Stay informed on the latest nutritional research and legislative updates affecting the bison industry.
During the conference, we also conduct our Annual General Membership Meeting, providing a transparent forum for association business and the election of our Board of Directors.
Bison Ranch Tour
Experience the industry firsthand with our signature fall ranch tours. Each year, we select premier operations across the Rocky Mountain region to showcase diverse management styles and innovative ranching techniques. These immersive visits provide a deep dive into successful bison infrastructure, including:
- Handling Facilities: Evaluating corral designs and squeeze chutes specifically engineered for bison.
- Specialized Fencing: Comparing high-tensile and traditional fencing solutions for herd security.
- Resource Management: Strategies for reliable water distribution and nutritional supplementation.
- Pasture & Range Health: Observing rotational grazing and regenerative land management in action.
Each tour concludes with an interactive Q&A session with ranch managers, providing invaluable networking opportunities, followed by a traditional bison BBQ or community meal.
Previous Events
- March 6-7, 2026: Spring Conference in Colorado Springs, CO
- September 12-23, 2025: Tour of Western Heritage Meat Company and JG Bison in Sheridan, WY; and Hot Springs State Park and Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative near Thermopolis, WY
- March 1-2, 2025: Spring Conference in Fort Collins, CO
- September 13-14, 2024: NBA & RMBA Summer Tour of Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch near Limon, CO
- March 1-2, 2024: Spring Conference in Fort Collins, CO
- September 30, 2023: Tour of Eagle's Wing Ranch near Coalmont, CO & Hester's Buffalo Meat CO near Kremmling, CO.
- March 4, 2023: Spring Conference in Fort Collins, CO
- September 24, 2022: Tour of Durham Ranch near Wright, WY
- March 5, 2022: Spring Conference in Fort Collins, CO
- September 11, 2021: Tour of Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch near Limon, CO
- June 27-29, 2021: NBA & RMBA Summer Conference in Cheyenne, CO
- March 7, 2020: Spring conference in Westminster, CO
- September 15, 2019: Tour of Brush Meat Processors in Brush, CO and Monkey Ranch near Kimball, NE
- March 2-3, 2019: Spring conference in Westminster, CO
- September 8, 2018: Tour of Beaver Creek Buffalo Ranch near Goodland, KS
- March 2-3, 2018: Spring conference in Westminster, CO
- August 18-19, 2017: Tour of Big Heart Bison Ranch and Platte River Power Authority Rawhide Energy Station herds in northern Colorado
- March 17-18, 2017: Spring conference in Loveland, CO
- September 23, 2016: Tour of Plains Conservation Center West Bijou Basin Ranch in eastern Colorado and CU Ralphie Handler Practice in Boulder, CO
- April 8-9, 2016: Spring conference in Loveland, CO
- August 28-29, 2015: Tour of Heart Rock Bison, Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch, Sunrise Bison Ranch, in Eastern CO
- April 24-25, 2015: Spring conference, Loveland, CO
- September 26-27, 2014: Tour of Blue Valley Ranch near Kremmling, CO
- April 11-12, 2014: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- September 6-7, 2013: Tour of Denver Mountain Parks, Genesee and Daniels Park herds near Genesee, CO and Castle Rock, CO
- March 15-16, 2013: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- September 7-8, 2012: Tour of Eagle's Wing Ranch near Coalmont, CO
- March 9, 2012: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- September 9, 2011: Tour of Rocky Mountain Natural Meats and Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Denver, CO
- March 11, 2011: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- November 18-19, 2010: Bison Advantage Conference and Tour of Custer State Park and 777 Buffalo Ranch near Rapid City, SD
- August 28, 2010: Tour of Sweetwater Bison near Glenwood Springs, CO
- March 12-13, 2010: Spring conference
- September 18-19, 2009: Bison Advantage Conference and Tour of Terry Bison Ranch and Cold Creek Buffalo near Cheyenne, WY
- March 13, 2009: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- September 2008: Tour of Red Canyon Ranch near Thermopolis, WY
- March 14-15, 2008: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- August 4, 2007: Tour of Buffalo Groves near Kiowa, CO
- March 9-10, 2007: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- September 8-9, 2006: Tour of Vermejo Park Ranch near Cimarron, NM
- March 10-11, 2006: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- August 2005: Tour of Medano - Zapata Ranch near Mosca, CO
- March 10-13, 2005: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- Fall 2004: Tour of Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch in Limon, CO
- Spring 2004: Spring conference at the Weld County Annex Building in Longmont, CO
- Fall 2003: Tour of Terry Bison Ranch near Cheyenne, WY
- Spring 2003: Spring conference at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO
- Fall 2002: Tour of High Wire Ranch near Hotchkiss, CO
- Spring 2002: Spring conference at Spomer Ranch/Red Barn Bison Company, Milliken, CO
- Fall 2001: Tour of KB Crescent Ranch near Deer Trail, CO
- Spring 2001: Spring conference at the Cliffhouse in Manitou Springs, CO
- Fall 2000: Tour of Buffalo Wilds, Silver Ridge Bison, and Rawhide Energy in northern Colorado
- Spring 2000: Spring conference at the Denver Natural History Museum in Denver, CO
- Fall 1999: Tour of Middle Creek Pass near Oak Creek, CO
- Spring 1999: Spring conference
- September 1998: Tour of Hotchkiss - Scenic Mesa near Hotchkiss, CO
- Spring 1998: Spring conference in Denver, CO
- September 1997: Tour of Cerro San Cristobal Ranch near near Tres Piedras, NM
- April 5, 1997: Spring conference in Lakewood, CO
- September 1996: Tour of Diamond Tail Ranch near Jelm, WY
- April 27, 1996: Founding meeting of RMBA at the Red Lion Hotel in Denver, CO
Peak to Peak Sale
The Peak to Peak Sale was held in the spring every year from 2004 - 2013 at The Stock Yards of the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO, hosting various classes of bison to be judged and auctioned.
