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Bison herd grazing on a vast, rolling grassland.

Decoding Bison

The Decoding Bison program is designed to equip bison managers from the private, tribal, nonprofit government organization and public sectors with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective bison management.

Herd of bison grazing rangeland during fall.

Bison Economics Tool

The SDSU Bison Economic Tool provides bison producers with up-to-date, monthly bison market information. The rapid and user-friendly visualization capabilities enhance communication and evaluation of how the industry is performing compared to previous months.

Small group of bison on rangeland.

Goldilocks and Bison Carcass Size Considerations

Many are familiar with the story of Goldilocks and the three bears, where Goldilocks tries to find a bed that's not too hard, nor too soft, but “just right.” Learn how this same concept can help producers find a carcass size that's "just right" for bison processing.

Small group of bison on rangeland.

Decoding Bison Dietary Selection: More Than Just Grass

While bison are often thought of as quintessential grazers, their diet is surprisingly variable. However, they also snack on non-grass species throughout the year.

Herd of bison behind a fencline in a pasture.

Getting Started With Bison Ranching

While bison ranching has some similarities with cattle ranching, there are significant differences that must be accounted for to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.

Small group of bison grazing winter pasture.

Considerations for Winter Bison Management

Although many tools and techniques developed for cattle management have been adapted for bison, there are some stark differences between the two species that producers should consider when managing bison on winter range.

Bison grazing rangeland.

Are bison amenable or non-amenable? How does the definition of bison affect harvest systems and quality of meat and carcasses?

While status of bison as an amenable versus non-amenable species seems confusing and complex, there are associated benefits and consequences for each definition.

SDSU Extension welcomes new bison specialist

April 19, 2023

SDSU Extension is excited to announce a new bison specialist. Jeff Martin has been named the SDSU Extension Bison Specialist and the Assistant Professor of Bison Biology and Management in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Martin’s role is 70 percent research and 30 percent Extension, and he will continue to be based at West River Research and Extension center in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Closeup of a male bison's face, centered on its eye.

USDA FSA: Bison herds affected with Mycoplasma bovis now eligible for livestock assistance programs, carcass disposal assistance also available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has announced that bison death losses resulting from Mycoplasma bovis are now eligible for the livestock indemnity program, retroactive for 2021.

Three people smile for the camera with bison and rolling hills in the background

Bringing happy, healthy bison back to the Great Plains

January 17, 2025

There are approximately 400,000 bison across North America, down from 30 to 60 million prior to the 1860s. South Dakota has the largest bison population in the U.S. with nearly 40,000, and Martin hopes to see it keep rising.