Bison Month is almost over.. just two of these left.

The latest news from Ron & T of The Buffalo Wool Co. at RATH Ranch. Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more

Happy Bison Month!!

And we are only one away from this seemingly endless barrage of emails being over... haven't quite decided who we are gonna end this with, but it should be fun. We actually lost about 250 subscribers this month, wore them out with these stories I guess... but we picked up almost 350, so, taking that as a win. Still have a whole bunch of friends on this list, and as always we are grateful when you take time out of your day to read our stuff.

Not gonna lie, today's is kinda tough for me, Stan Harper was a great guy and a good friend, and an amazing rancher and bison supporter. I miss the guy a lot.. he always used to offer to fly us to the National Conference in his jet... wish we had done it even once. The daughters are running the operation now, and they are wondeful people as well, but Stan is missed by so many.

Do have three things to share first though.

#1 Northstar Bison is running a secret bison ribeye sale starting tomorrow, but I thought I would let y'all get a head start on it. (not live till tomorrow)

From Sean Graese... "We're actually running a 26% off ribeye sale on our website tomorrow through sunday night to celebrate National Bison Month. That'll be the best way for folks at home to take advantage! Code will be "BISON26" Might want to set a reminder for tomorrow... this is a deal on some stellar meat. You will love it, just don't overcook it.

if you read the piece on NorthStar Bison, you know they are one of the top producers in the country and this is all field harvest, makes for such better quality meat. This is a steal.. don't miss out. www.northstarbison.com

# 2 Our youngest Meghan, has decided that she needs some reviews on her travel guides, so if you buy one this weekend and leave her a review, she will send you a code for a second guide absolutely free... Link to her Etsy Shop just trying to help her make this travel guide writing dream a reality for her.

#3 Insoles have been restocked, have been out of the 12" 8mm ones since November, but we got them back in house now.

Hope you had a truly great day!

Ron & T, and the crew here at the BWC

From a friend, and yes, I laughed...

Stan Harper (Stanley Keith Harper, 1938–2024)

Texas-based rancher, entrepreneur, and longtime supporter of the American bison industry through private ranching operations and organizational involvement. Born September 13, 1938, in Clovis, New Mexico, to Ruby and Claude Keith Harper, he was the middle of five children. After graduating from Clovis High School, he served in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Traffic Control Specialist. He later founded L&M Service Group, Inc., a tax services company in Arlington, Texas, in 1987. Alongside his business career, Harper developed a strong passion for ranching. He owned and operated properties in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado under Harper Cattle, LLC, raising cattle, bison, and elk to high standards.

Stan Harper, Larry Mahan, Amy and Roy Leidtke Whole lot of awesome in one picture.

Harper Cattle, LLC, known for quality livestock, and Stanley Harper took every opportunity to support ranchers and the greater bison community as a whole. Every chance he had to donate, fund or give back in some way.. he never missed an event. The operation emphasized ranching across multiple states, with bison as a key part of the mix alongside cattle and elk.

Support for Bison Organizations and Industry.

Harper was described as a big supporter of the National Bison Association and the Texas Bison Organization (Texas Bison Association, or TBA). Harper Cattle served as a Gold Sponsor for TBA events and conferences (including spring and fall meetings around 2021–2022 and later years). The company participated in fund-raising auctions by purchasing donated items, helping the TBA meet goals for education and support of healthy bison herds in Texas. The TBA ) focuses on promoting and preserving Texas bison through leadership, education, public awareness, conservation, production assistance for members, and advocacy for the ranching and meat industry. Its mission centers on “Preserving the Legend” of the American bison via conservation, education, and industry support. The NBA brings together stakeholders to celebrate bison heritage, educate, and build a sustainable future for the industry.

These organizations advance practical knowledge for producers on management, health, grazing, genetics, and marketing. The related National Buffalo Foundation, a 501c3 partnered with the NBA and involved with the Center of Excellence for Bison Studies at South Dakota State University serves as a major funding source for bison research and education. It supports projects on herd health, e.g., diseases like Mycoplasma bovis, nutrition/minerals/vitamins, rumen microbiology/fiber utilization, genetics/diversity, management practices, such as winter feeding or regenerative grazing, and related topics. Funding often comes through competitive grants and industry contributions that enable university and applied research.

Stan was always first and formost when it came to supporting these organizations. Harper’s sponsorships and membership support contributed to the associations’ capacity for conferences, education, advocacy, and the broader ecosystem that funds and disseminates research. He was also an Advisory Director on the Former Texas Rangers Foundation board and supported other causes (including children’s charities, schools, 4-H, Make-A-Wish, and rural/farming community efforts in Texas and New Mexico), reflecting a pattern of generosity. Just a great guy overall...

Context in Bison Conservation and Ranching

Ranchers like Stan Harper have long played roles in maintaining bison populations after the near-extinction bottleneck of the late 19th century. Commercial and private herds form the majority of the roughly 400,000–500,000 bison in North America today (with a smaller share in dedicated conservation herds). Industry groups help address challenges such as genetic management including residual cattle introgression from early experiments, disease, nutrition, and sustainable production while promoting bison as a heritage species and lean meat source.Harper passed away on February 20, 2024, in Mansfield, Texas, at age 85, surrounded by family. He was survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Linda Harper, and children and grandchildren. His ranching legacy and support for bison-focused organizations helped sustain producer networks, education, and the research infrastructure that benefits the species and industry.

His family is continuing the mission, and doing great things as well, I just felt like it would be wrong to not include the man in this month of great ranchers.