Join the Great Bison Bash 2026

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

Hello and Happy Saturday Friends!

Hope all is well in your part of the world... things here are good, just in our "trying to get things made phase" A lot of moving parts and pieces, just trying to make sure we get things done as efficiently as possible. I managed to get a stack of PO's turned into the Knitting Mill, getting gaiters, beanies, gloves, scarves, etc restocked, and we do have a few new things coming this fall, and currently working on the largest bison hide rug we have ever done, custom for a customer, 4 hides hand-stitched together with a felt backing, will share pics when it's finished. Gonna be amazing.

It's mostly trying to figure out what to make, what sizes we need to make, which styles, and how do we allocate the fiber? How many Trekkers, how many Kenai, Yellowstone, B.o.s.s. OTC, Pro-gear etc? Somehow we always run out of things way too fast. Would be so much easier if we could just order bison fiber from somewhere, but where would the fun be in that?

Kim Holmes, who makes our bison tallow soaps, has a bunch of new stuff, lip balm, whipped tallow cream, deoderant and coming very soon, pet flea soap... in the testing phase right now. I think it's gonna be pawsome!

Today is just gonna be farm chores and warehouse organizing, just as soon as I finish this and go pack the overnight orders and any that come in this morning... I have built and given away 4 Salatin style chicken tractors in the last couple years, and I need a couple right now, so that is my fun today.

Dad has his new(ish) boat in the water this weekend, and looks like he is having a really crappie time...

Today we are just gonna share and celebrate some big bison wins, and a bison bash at the Bison Discovery Center....

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Ron, T, Piggy Wrangler, Paula, Stacy and the rest of the critter crew here at the BWC.

The American bison is having a banner year

These incredible animals aren’t just surviving; they’re thriving, restoring ecosystems, healing cultures, and reminding us why we’re so passionate about bison ranching. Every healthy herd means stronger prairies, better soil, more biodiversity and more bison fiber for us to make things with.

A landmark Science study (still making waves) revealed how Yellowstone’s roughly 5,000 free-roaming bison are restoring ancient grassland patterns through their natural grazing, trampling, and fertilizing. Their epic 1,000-mile migrations create a mosaic of habitats that boost plant protein by 150% and supercharge biodiversity. Ecologists are calling it “a reawakening of what had been there in the past.” Proof that wild bison are the ultimate ecosystem engineers!2. Fort Peck Tribes Welcome 219 Yellowstone Bison—Herd Nears 1,000

In February the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes at Fort Peck Reservation welcomed 219 Yellowstone bison through the Bison Conservation Transfer Program. Their tribally managed herd now tops 1,000 animals. Using careful quarantine and balancing cultural ceremonies, food security, education, and sustainable opportunities, they’re building a powerful model of self-determination and coexistence. Indigenous Nations are part of ceremonial harvests, and the bison are once again acting as a keystone species—exactly what the prairie ordered after 160 years of absence.

Bison Return to Illinois Prairie After 200 Years. Six bison (three bulls, three cows) were released onto native prairie at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve to the sound of Santee Sioux drumming and songs. It’s the first time bison have walked this land in two centuries. They’re already dispersing seeds, fertilizing soil, and creating wallows that hold precious water—bringing the prairie back to life.

The Nature Conservancy and InterTribal Buffalo Council transferred nearly 600 bison to tribal lands in 2025 (part of a larger 3,000-animal effort).

NBA Heads to Texas for Buffalo Beyond Borders. The gathering, in partnership with the Texas Tribal Buffalo Project, represents a powerful convergence of place, lineage, and living systems. By bringing together Indigenous leaders, partners, scientists, policy advocates, and relatives to reconnect with buffalo, land, and one another, we aim to move shared work forward. Together, this time offers space not only for strategy, but for remembrance, repair, and renewed relationship that sustain both people and the lands we care for.

Learn more at

https://www.indigenousled.org/buffalobeyondborders.

These wins show what’s possible when science, tribal leadership, and community come together for bison. —because thriving herds mean better products and a brighter future for everyone.

Veryl Goodnight has been commissioned to cast a full sized bronze bison for the Charles Goodnight Historical Center (formerly Dad's store) Here is the clay model she has finished for it. Gonna be amazing!

Get Ready to Stampede into Fun: The Great Bison Bash is Almost Here!

Hey herd! The North American Bison Discovery Center is throwing the wildest party of the year, and you’re invited!

We’re a nonprofit on a mission to protect one of North America’s most majestic icons—the mighty bison. Through hands-on conservation, education that lights up kids’ eyes, and advocacy that keeps these giants roaming free, we work 365 days a year so future generations can stand in awe of a real, living legend. But big dreams need big support, and that’s where YOU come in.

Our annual fundraising auction—the Great Bison Bash—is roaring back with a fresh theme that’s all about community power, our incredible supporters give us the foundation to expand our reach, rescue more animals, and share the wonder even farther. This year we’re celebrating YOU—the friends, families, and fellow bison lovers who make every hoofbeat possible. Mark your calendars and grab your boots:

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: Jamestown Baymont, 507 25th St. SW, Jamestown, ND

Expect a night packed with:

Silent & live auctions loaded with one-of-a-kind bison-themed treasures (think art, adventures, gear, and experiences you’ll be bragging about for years)
Delicious bites and cold drinks
Live music that’ll have you two-stepping like a prairie wind
Plenty of laughs, new friends, and that warm fuzzy feeling of knowing every dollar helps keep bison wild and wonderful

Here are some easy (and fun!) ways to get involved right now:

Snag your tickets – Spots are limited and they go faster than a bison sprint!
Donate an auction item – Got something cool? A weekend getaway, signed sports memorabilia, bison art, or even a custom experience? Every donation helps the cause AND gives bidders something epic to fight over.
Sponsor the Bash – Put your business or family name front and center while supporting conservation at the highest level (plus sweet perks!).
Volunteer – Help set up, run the auction, or wrangle the crowd—we promise you’ll leave with a bigger smile than when you arrived.
Spread the word – Tag a friend, share this post, or holler from the rooftops. The bigger the herd, the bigger the impact!

This isn’t just another fundraiser—it’s a celebration of community, conservation, and the sheer joy of bison. Whether you’re a lifelong buffalo buddy or just discovering the magic, the Great Bison Bash is the perfect night to laugh, bid, and make a real difference.Ready to join the herd?

Let’s make this the best Bash yet!— The North American Bison Discovery Center TeamP.S. Pro tip: Wear your favorite bison-themed outfit and you might just win “Best Dressed Herd Member” bragging rights.

Check out the Bison Discovery Center Here.