����ֱ��

South Dakota State University students and faculty made their annual migration to the National Bison Association conference in Denver, Colorado, last month. More than just attending, the SDSU representatives made considerable contributions to meeting’s agenda from planning to presenting.

Three of the conference’s six educational sessions were chaired by SDSU faculty, six of the 12 academic posters presented were from SDSU students, faculty from the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies were on the conference planning and photo contest committees, and of the 16 lectures given, six were presented by SDSU experts.

“This conference is such a positive outing for SDSU,” Phil Urso, assistant professor of bison studies, said. “Our students are well received, and their conversations at their posters and post-lectures are met by interested producers small and large. This is one of the most engaging and interactive producer groups I have ever worked with.”

One of the sessions Urso and others presented at was a review of the SDSU Center of Excellence for Bison Studies. Led by center director Kristi Cammack, this session reviewed the evolution of bison curriculum programs, an overview of bison meat research and the presentation of a recently accepted review paper on how the center is supporting future bison researchers and educators.

Several new SDSU bison initiatives were also introduced at the meeting including the rollout of the Bison Health Network, a resource that will bring together bison producers and leaders from all over the world to discuss health issues in the species. Also introduced was the guide developed in the lab of Jeff Martin, SDSU Extension specialist of bison studies. The guide uses a five-point scale on five body regions to visually assess an animal’s health, which is particularly important in minimally managed species like bison.

Martin and Rachel Short, both assistant professors in the Department of Natural Resource Management, worked with SDSU Extension associate Stacy Hadrick to present a newly released survey for bison managers to help identify their needs and gaps in knowledge to guide future research.

The work being done at SDSU to move the bison industry forward is appreciated by people throughout the industry, as shown by four graduate students receiving scholarships from the Throlson American Bison Foundation last fall. Research presentations at the recent conference were well received by attendees who represented various parts of the bison industry including large and small producers, marketers, government organizations and other stakeholders.

“The bison industry at large believes in SDSU and knows we are the leaders in bison education and research,” said Urso, a Department of Animal Science faculty member. “With our involvement in the industry and this conference, we will continue to elevate the academic outputs of bison research and continue to grow our reputation as leaders of the bison industry.”

More information can be found on the respective websites of the SDSU Center of Excellence for Bison Studies, Department of Animal Science, Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and .