Thank You to our Texas Bison Association Sponsors! |
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Texas Bison Briefs - Sept 14th, 2022
*All rights reserved
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Howdy TBA Members,
We are happy to announce the location and agenda of our upcoming Fall Conference. The Fall Conference will focus on Meat Processing and Meat Sales and will be held in Canyon, TX. We know for some of us, Canyon will be a long drive, but we believe we have put together a great agenda that will make the trip very worthwhile, especially if you are in the meat business or looking at getting involved in meat sales. We are also keeping the registration fee low ($50 per person) to help offset the increased price of gas.
Friday: For folks that can arrive to the Panhandle early, you can join us in Goodnight for a visit to the Charles & Mary Ann Goodnight home and to Cecil Miskin's Herd Wear store. For many of us the Goodnight home and Herd Wear store are on the way to Canyon. Friday night, the plan is to hold an event at a local restaurant to where people can socialize in a casual setting. Each attendee would be responsible for their own food & beverage. Stay tuned for more details as we have not secured a location yet, we need to get a better understanding of how many conference attendees we will have. Cost of the Goodnight home is included in the registration fee.
Saturday: We start with a visit to a new, Texas State Inspected, Meat Processor in Canyon that processes bison. While there we will talk about carcass conformation, meat cuts, tenderizing, packaging, etc. After visiting the Meat Processor, we will go to the Herdsmen Barn on the campus of West Texas A&M, for lunch followed by a discussion on the requirements to sell bison meat from your ranch, farmers markets, within Texas and shipping outside of Texas. After the meat discussion we have the awesome opportunity to visit Sidney Blankenship's bison ranch. Sidney manages a larger herd than the average TBA member and offers an alternative perspective on bison health management. From West Texas A&M it is about a 1hr drive to Sidney's ranch. We can carpool folks in order to make transportation easier. If you prefer not to travel to Sidney's ranch, you can stay in town to visit the Plains Museum, Palo Duro Canyon, shop in downtown Canyon or just relax. After visiting with Sidney, we return to the WTAMU campus for dinner and socialization. The TBA Dinner in included in the registration fee, beer & wine will be available.
Sunday: While driving home, several of you have the opportunity drive by Caprock Canyon and the official bison herd of Texas. The park is majestic and the herd is absolutely stunning, as they have a much darker coat than many bison. If you have not visited Caprock or seen the herd, I strongly encourage you make a visit, no matter how brief. The cost is $5 per person to visit the park.
Hotels: We have a limited number of hotel rooms blocked at the Best Western and Holiday Inn Express in Canyon. Book early as there is a WTAMU home football game Nov 5th. You can call hotel directly at the numbers listed below.
Best Western: (806) 655-1818 $99 TBA rate
Holiday Inn Express: (806) 655-4445 $105 TBA rate
Temperatures: The average high and low temperatures in Canyon for Nov 4-6 are, High of 66 degrees, Low of 36 degrees.
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If you have any questions about the TBA Fall Conference, please reach out to any of the Board Members or to me directly.
The TBA would like to thank our partners at West Texas A&M University for hosting our Fall Conference. We especially would like to recognize Logan Burleson and the WTAMU Herdsmen
Thank you,
Ed Mountain
President, Texas Bison Association
214-693-2113
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Ron's Note:
The TBA board has been working hard on this fall conference, and a huge thanks to Donald Beard at Caprock Canyon State Park, Chris Pogue at GP Ranch, and Charlie and Shauna Rankin of Yanasa Ama Productions... We truly appreciate the time and effort that everyone has and will put in for this conference.
I personally am very interested in the bison processing at Panhandle Meat Processors... T and I have just recently started doing a little of our own butchering here, but haven't done anything the size of a bison (yet), mostly poultry and a pig.
We did just get to watch a native Alaskan process a harbor seal last week, then she grilled some and let us try it...was fascinating and surprisingly tasty.
Looking forward to seeing ya'll in Canyon!
and thank you for reading these.
Ron Miskin
TBA Vice President.
Ron@thebuffalowoolco.com
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The following news stories are presented solely for our members' information. They are not intended to reflect the opinions of Texas Bison Association members or the position of the association. |
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Open invitation to all TBA Members!
your Board of Directors would like to hear from you. You are invited to attend a TBA Members conference call on October 11th at 7:30pm. This is your opportunity to provide us with feedback on what you believe is going well at the TBA and what action the board can take to make improvements.
You can also provide suggestions for the upcoming Fall Conference, or you can provide immediate feedback regarding the conference by contacting Ed Mountain at mount_ed@hotmail.com
Here is the dial in information to join the TBA member call: (605) 472-5760 Code 4868305
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Regenerative Bison Ranching Field Day at Antelope Creek Bison in Mission, South Dakota. Participants are enjoying a day hosted by the Assmans, learning about holistic and regenerative bison management, networking, and eating some great-tasting bison! Looks like a great time! |
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NBA President, Chad Kremer, talked about regenerative ranching as well as giving an overview of basic bison ranching. Chad has his own herd, Kremer Buffalo in addition to managing the herd at Custer State Park.
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From the NBA: Big Opportunity, Short Notice.
We need to get a letter drafted ASAP and recommend a Texas host ranch to host a Regenerative Field Day.
If you are interested in nominating yourself or another rancher for this opportunity, please reach out to mount_ed@hotmail.com
The National Bison Association is applying for a USDA Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Grant that would allow the NBA to do a lot of outreach to both producers and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff to educate them on grassland and grazing management with a focus on regenerative agriculture. The final grant application is due September 22nd, so we have a quick turn around for gathering support letters. We are asking for letters of support to be completed and returned by Friday, September 16th, 2022.
We are proposing 1.5 day workshops/ ranch tours in the summers of 2023 and 2024 to educate both producers and staff, which would include 4 events per summer in the north, south, east and west of the United States. This could potentially replace the model for the NBA summer conference from one national event per summer to four shorter regional events that rotate throughout the eight NBA regions.
What we need:
- Commitments from 8 bison ranches/ farms to host tours
- Share story of why raising bison and managing ranch/farm with current practices
- Show or tell what has worked well and lessons learned
- Be ready to accommodate about 50-100 people
- Commitments from local bison associations to support the project
- Help promote the event
- Be a local resource for regional speakers, indoor spot to comfortably seat up to 100 people, lodging, food (ideally bison!)
- Volunteering the day of the events (registration table etc.)
What we offer:
· Potential for profit sharing depending how many attend the event
· Network with regional or national speakers to bring in for presentations
· Lead coordination of the event
· Develop agenda,
· Press packet
· Social media promotion
· Evaluation and feedback to measure impact
· Videography and photography of event
· Online repository of resources developed from the events, housed in the Members section of the NBA Website
We hope you can join this project to promote utilizing bison for grass lands throughout the United States!
NBA Executive Director, Jim Matheson, will serve as the Project Director for this project. Administrative questions should be directed to Jim Matheson, Executive Director at (303) 292-2833 or jim@bisoncentral.com. Questions of programmatic or technical detail may be addressed to Mr. Matheson as well.
Still working out the fine print, but wanted to get the ball rolling on letters of support. We would like to partner with Texas Bison Association for a workshop/tour in 2024.
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Our friends at Integrity Souls have a really amazing contest! For those that don't know, Nicole Masters is the director at Integrity Soils. Nicole is recognized as an expert in soil health and a soil educator.
Drum roll please....in addition to this amazing opportunity below, the NBA is pleased to announce that Nicole Masters will be a keynote speaker at our 2023 Winter Conference in January in Denver! We are very excited to have Nicole join us and share her expertise.
Meantime, sign up for a chance to win this amazing educational package.
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Is doing a giveaway & 3 lucky people will win full access to ALL of their online soil health courses!
Click Below to Enter
We are dedicated to providing leadership and education in the field of regenerative agriculture that empowers producers and consultants to regenerate landscapes.
These online courses will give you the foundations to support you in making informed decisions about the health of your soil. And we want to help out 3 people by giving them full access to ALL of our online soil health courses!
Grand Prize ($1,250 Value)
- 3 Winners Will Be Chosen at Random
Access to All 3 Integrity Soils Online Courses:
“Soil Horse Course” ($533 Value)
“Soil Health Foundation Course” ($333 Value)
“Soil Health Masterclass” ($387 Value)
Click the Link to Enter Soil Health Courses Giveaway
- Many will enter, 3 people will be chosen at random for the Grand Prize
- Entry ends September 15th at midnight Mountain Standard Time
the Texas Bison Association is not responsible for this promotion
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"RUNNING THUNDER"
A shortened history of the WTAMU Herdsmen
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The WTAMU Herdsmen were formed by a group of men that believed WTSU needed something to boost the spirit at athletic events. They recognized that a live buffalo mascot was the missing ingredient that was needed to get the students and team fired up. During the Fall of 1977, George Shackleford, Chris Black, and Weldon Trice, Dean of Men, began their search. This search took them throughout the Panhandle of Texas and it proved rewarding when they contacted Mr. R.J. Lee, owner of the Big Texas Steak Ranch. Mr. Lee agreed to donate a yearling buffalo to West Texas State University and also feed and take care of the buffalo.
It was evident that more men would be needed to handle the 750 pound buffalo during the home football games. The calling began. The men that were contacted: Kevin Arnold, Rick (Corny) Cornelison, Ernie Lucero, Brian Wheeler, Kevin O'Hair, Steve Knox, and William Keaton. These men became the founding fathers of the Herdsmen. They proved to be very energetic and enthusiastic about the project. While sitting around a table in the cafeteria, they decided that they would need some officers. They chose: Chris Black as president, George Shackleford as vice-president, Kevin Arnold as secretary/treasurer, and Rick Cornelison as historian. During the discussion of officers, it was suggested by Rick Cornelison that the organization be expanded to form a spirit organization. This group would participate in the stands by voicing their support for the Buffaloes. "Corny" also suggested that the name of the organization be the HERDSMEN and it was unanimous that this was the name to be taken. This "get-together" in the cafeteria turned out to be the first meeting of the Herdsmen and the minutes were written on a paper napkin, which has since been lost.
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Training of the buffalo soon began. Mr. Breezy Cox, an employee of the Big Texan, was the ranch's buffalo keeper and he taught the new Herdsmen handlers how to handle a buffalo. The new mascot's name was Lollipop, but the handlers did not feel like this name would inspire the type of spirit that was needed. A contest was soon held on campus to decide a name for the new mascot. Kathy Garrison and Paul Bublis tied with the winning name of "Thunder."
Kevin Arnold became the foreman of the buffalo handlers and through his diligent work Thunder was soon ready for her first public appearance. On October 15, 1977, Thunder marched through Canyon in the WTSU Homecoming Parade. Her first appearance at a game was later that night and her debut caused the revival of the "Buff" spirit.
Adding to the spirit was a group of fifty Herdsmen in the stands, blowing their horns and participating in the cheers for the team. This brought about a revival of the student spirit in the stands. There was no other group that displayed the spirit that the Herdsmen did.
This was only the beginning of an outstanding organization. During the Spring of 1979, the Herdsmen traded Lollipop for another buffalo. The trade was made with Herdsmen alumni Kevin Arnold, and the new buffalo soon became known as Bufford, Thunder II.
During the period of Thunder II, the Herdsmen became more than a spirit organization. They became an organization that promoted West Texas State University. The Herdsmen and Thunder II represented WTSU at events throughout the Panhandle, such as XIT, Canyon's Buffalo Roundup, and other parades and reunions, some of which were at Hereford, Dumas, and Pampa. During the period of 1979 to 1981, the Herdsmen and Thunder II were seen by 200,000 to 300,000 people during their travels.
The Herdsmen have become involved in the WTSU blood drive, All-University Sing, Pigskin Review, Student Foundation Phonathon, promotion of the Spring Games, Yell Call, Pep rallies, Elections, and much more. Since 1977, the Herdsmen have become one of the most powerful and most respected organizations on campus.
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Caprock Canyon Bison Herd |
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Bison in Texas
At one time, 30 to 60 million bison roamed the North American plains. Early Spanish explorers in Texas, including the Coronado expedition, said they were as numerous as “fish in the sea.”
The vast herds weren’t in danger of extermination until professional hide hunters arrived on the plains. With their superior weaponry, they could kill over 100 bison at a time.
Thus began the “great slaughter.” From 1874 to 1878, hunters decimated the great southern bison herd. Estimates from 1888 were that less than 1,000 head of bison remained in North America.
Preservation of an American icon
Towards the end of the great slaughter, a handful of people worried about the fate of the bison and began the difficult task of saving them. These people took on the care of orphaned calves and started their own herds.
Mary Ann Goodnight urged her husband Charles to capture some orphan calves from the southern herd in 1878. The Goodnights raised the bison calves on the JA Ranch as the nucleus of the Goodnight Herd, which soon grew to over 200 head.
The descendants of these animals now constitute the Texas State Bison Herd. The Goodnight Herd and four other herds provided the foundation stock for virtually all bison in North America today.
The Texas State Bison Herd
Following the death of the Goodnights, the herd faded from public awareness until wildlife conservationist Wolfgang Frey learned about the remaining 50 or so bison on the JA Ranch. He contacted the state of Texas in 1994.
Genetic testing by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department discovered a rare genetic marker revealing that the herd was perhaps the last remaining group of southern plains bison.
The JA Ranch donated the herd to Texas Parks and Wildlife. The state moved the herd to Caprock Canyons State Park in 1997. Unique not only in its historical importance but also in its rare genetic makeup, the herd is now the Official Bison Herd of the state of Texas.
The herd remains in a portion of its natural home range on what was once a part of the JA Ranch and is now Caprock Canyons State Park.
Modern day management
The Texas State Bison Herd is a valuable resource for Texas and for the conservation of the bison species. Caprock Canyons State Park has three conservation objectives for the bison herd:
Re-establishing them as a keystone species within the ecosystem
Ensuring the genetic integrity of the herd through a selective breeding program
Contributing to the overall conservation of the species of bison in North America.
Every winter, TPWD conducts DNA testing to closely monitor the herd’s genetic diversity. Each member of the herd also gets a health check.
Vegetation studies, grazing control and prescribed fire are all part of managing the herd’s habitat.
We carefully monitor this herd to help ensure an even brighter future for bison in North America.
Caprock Canyons State Park Superintendent Donald Beard is responsible for the management of this great herd. He has a passion for these animals and has been stricken with the “bison fever”. His enthusiasm is evident in his delivery of the powerful journey of the Texas State Bison Herd. His presentation discusses the past history of bison in North America and the Goodnight herd, the present state of the animals along with the future plans for the Charles Goodnight Bison Herd, the “Official Bison Herd of the State of Texas”. This presentation is a perfect fit for any group interested in the history of the North American Bison, Charles Goodnight, the Texas Panhandle, or anyone interested in discovering the incredible amount of history in our Texas State Parks.
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AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT)
— The Texas State Bison Music Festival, more commonly known as BisonFest, will celebrate its 11th year on Saturday, September 24th with four amazing bands slated to rock the day and night away in Quitaque.
This year’s all-star lineup includes the Panhandlers, which is a new group featuring Josh Abbott, John Baumann, William Clark Green and Cleto Cordero, all acclaimed songwriters and well-known musicians.
The Dirty River Boys, West Texas Exiles, and Mason and The Gin Line will also be hitting the stage during the full-day event.
Aside from great music from a great lineup, participants will also enjoy food vendors, shopping, and craft booths set up along main street Quitaque.
Now in its eleventh year, the event draws thousands of music-lovers from across the Tri-State region with the ultimate goal of restoring the Official Bison Herd of the State of Texas.
Located in Caprock Canyons State Park, the bison are direct descendants of the herd started by famed Cattleman Charles Goodnight in 1878. Against all odds, this one single herd of genetic-related Southern bison have managed to survive all these decades.
Help us protect and preserve this Official Texas State Bison Herd by joining us Saturday, September 24th for BisonFest 2022!
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit BisonFest.com.
tickets for the standard entry will be priced at $45 and elite entry tickets will be priced at $100.
For more information on this year’s “Texas State Bison Music Festival” click here. Click the image below to watch Donald tell more about BisonFest
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Bison Short Ribs
From the National Bison Association
Menu goal- something delicious and a little fancy... Like Short Ribs and Sage Polenta! #bisonmeat
Short Rib Ingredients:
4 Buffalo short Ribs (Approx 1 lb. Each)
Salt
Freshly Ground Pepper
2 Tbs Vegetable Oil
1 lb Carrots, Peeled
2 large White Onions, Quartered
4 large Garlic Cloves
3 Bay Leaves
1 cup Tomatoes, Chopped
2 cups Beef Stock
2 12-ounce Bottles of Dark Beer
1 small Dried Chile
1 oz Dried Mushrooms, Chopped
1 Tbs Puréed Chipotles in Adobo
4 large Pitted Prunes
1 1/2 Tbs Tomato Paste
8oz Small Fresh Mushrooms
Short Rib Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°. Season the ribs with salt and pepper and brown them evenly in the oil over medium heat, 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
When dark golden brown, add the carrots, onions, garlic, bay leaves, tomatoes, beef stock, and one bottle of beer, mixing well. Cover tightly and place in the oven for 2 hours.
Make sure the lid is on tight and liquids do not evaporate. After braising for 2 hours, remove from the oven, take the ribs out of the stock, and let the juices run through a sieve into a bowl.
Discard the cooked vegetables. Skim the fat off the surface of the braising juices and return juices to the pan. Return the ribs to the pan and add the chile, dried mushrooms, puréed chipotles, prunes, tomato paste, fresh mushrooms, and the remaining bottle of beer.
Place the pan on top of the stove over very low heat with the lid on tight. Cook for 1 hour. Skim the fat off the surface of the rib sauce before serving
Sage Polenta Ingredients:
2 cups Water or Chicken Stock
1 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Stone-Ground Cornmeal or Polenta
2 Tbs Heavy Cream
6 Tbs Unsalted Butter
2 Tbs Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 Tbs Fresh Sage, Chopped
Sage Polenta Directions:
Bring the water to a strong simmer in a heavy saucepan over high heat and add salt.
Add the cornmeal/polenta in a steady stream, incorporating with a whisk to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat and stir with a wooden spoon.
Cook on medium, stirring for 8 to 10 minutes until thick porridge forms. Add heavy cream, butter, cheese, and sage and stir to incorporate.
Directions: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Makes about 1 ¼ cups of sauce.
Still looking forward to some Texas bison recipe submissions, please send to Ron@thebuffalowoolco.com
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TBA Gear Store
For all your Texas Bison Association needs... shirts, mugs, coolers, and a bunch more stuff coming soon.
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2022 TBA Fall Conference Registration
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