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Rapid City hosting International Bison Conference
Symposium held once every seven years
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FarkRAPID CITY -- Bison have been making a big comeback lately, and about 800 people from around the world are traveling here to celebrate and discuss that at the third International Bison Conference, July 20-28.
The conference is held once every seven years, alternating between the United States and Canada to bring together all interested and invested parties in the bison industry, including ranchers, processors, retailers and consumers.
The last conference was held in Canada. When the time came for the sponsors to pick a U.S. location, Rapid City was chosen.
"Rapid City and the members of the bison producers (the Dakota Territory Bison Association) sold us on it," Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association, said. "They gave the best presentation and it was no question. Everybody wanted to go there."
The educational portion begins Tuesday at Best Western Ramkota Hotel; however, a wagon tour, "The Plains, Trains and Tatanka Wagon Train and Horseback Ride," launches tonight.
The three-day, wagon-train ride will take participants through parts of Custer State Park not accessible by modern-day vehicles and will end Tuesday morning. About 140 winners from a special drawing were selected for this adventure.
"We are geared up for an exciting three days," Chad Kremer, buffalo-herd manager for Custer State Park, said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for participants to see parts of the back country of Custer State Park most visitors never see."
Former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle and Ted Turner, owner of a 42,000-head bison herd and Ted's Montana Grill founder, will open the evening activities as keynote speakers Tuesday night in a private reception at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
The conference includes discussions and sharing information on topics that include adding bison to menus, health benefits, agri-tourism, animal health and welfare, bison production and marketing.
All of the events, except for the trail ride and Tuesday night's private reception, are open to the public. Those wanting to participate in the events at the Ramkota Hotel can register there on any day they choose to attend. There is a fee for each day's activities.
The schedule for the rest of the week includes:
n On Wednesday, "Bison Heritage and History" is the educational focus, featuring keynote speakers Bruce Knight, the U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary for marketing, and Kim Perry Butler, a top representative of the Canadian Agriculture Ministry and Consul General for the United States.
Breakout sessions will include discussions of the historic range of bison and its connection to American Indian cultures.
n Thursday's theme is "Bison in the Marketplace," with a keynote address by Erika Lesser, executive director of Slow Food USA, speaking about bison's alignment in the "slow food" movement. Presentations include regulations surrounding nutritional and environmental claims on food labels and agri-tourism efforts in the industry.
n Friday's discussion focuses on "Bison Production and Animal Husbandry." The keynote speaker is Allan Savory, founder of the Savory Institute. Savory is internationally recognized for his work in developing a holistic management approach to animal production, ranch management and resource stewardship.
Other sessions that day will address holistic animal management tactics and bison nutrient profiles.
Among the presentations will be a workshop by Dr. Temple Grandin of Colorado Sate University, widely recognized for animal handling work.
During the conference, participants can take part in various optional activities such as a motorcycle tour of the Black Hills, a chuck wagon dinner, a concert by fiddler Kenny Putnam and an auction for a custom edition Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
The last day of the conference, Saturday, July 28, will take place at Custer State Park and is deemed "Ranch Day."
"The park staff has many activities planned for the day," Bradley Block, chief of interpretation for the park, said. "From hands-on activities to tours and picnics, participants will have fun as they learn about the park."
For more information about the International Bison Conference, go to www.ibc2007.com. For additional information on Custer State Park activities, contact the park at 255-4515 or go to www.CusterStatePark.info.
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