Bison Education in the Northern Plains

2003 Annual Report for ENC01-055

Project Type: Professional Development Program
Funds awarded in 2001: $50,740.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2003
Region: North Central
State: North Dakota
Project Coordinator:
Thomas Hanson
North Dakota State University

Bison Education in the Northern Plains

Summary

Planning and organization have continued on this project. The project objectives remain the same, but the methodology has been altered. The project will create an audio-visual product that can be used by multiple audiences to learn bison production, history, culture, and marketing. A website will be created along with any necessary support materials for classroom instruction.

Objectives/Performance Targets

  1. Participants will learn management techniques of bison production and gain an understanding of information resources available.

    Participants will recognize the economic potential of bison production and resulting profitability possibilities, thereby gaining an appreciation for the impact of the industry on state and regional economies.

    Participants will feel comfortable discussing bison production with existing and transitioning producers.

    Participants will recognize the deeply intertwined cultural and spiritual beliefs between Native Americans of the northern plains and bison.

    Educators will deliver bison programs to beginning bison producers and persons interested in bison production as an enterprise.

    Educators will work individually with producers to troubleshoot production problems.

    Educators will discuss bison production as an enterprise with as much knowledge and comfort as they do beef, sheep, or hog production.

    Educators will be involved with the state’s producer organizations.

    Educators will educate others on the effects of bison grazing on the northern plains’ native prairie ecosystem.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Planning and organization is currently developing the cadre of instructors needed to deliver a thorough, complete, and desirable product. The filming will be completed in March with final production, website development, and support materials to be developed concurrently. These materials will be widely marketed to tribal colleges, Extension agents, college agriculture programs, and the state bison associations.