SDState - Center of Excellence for Bison Studies

09/04/2026

If you are interested in learning more about the state of the bison health industry, check out the Bison Health Network Newsletter collection, available on Open PRAIRIE!

Each month, researchers at SDSU share information on health-related challenges facing bison herds, easy-to-read summaries of current research, updates from the Bison Health Network, and more.

If you are a bison producer, researcher, veterinarian, or otherwise affiliated with the bison industry, consider joining our network! Submit your interest here: https://sdstateoira.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1LmNvBGnf3Kru98

Explore the Bison Health Network Newsletter collection here: https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/bison_health_news/

This project was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant No. 2024.08731 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

The Bison Health Network is a collaborative effort connecting producers, veterinarians and researchers to strengthen bison herd health across North America. Through partnerships with the National Bison Association, the Bison Center of Excellence and other key organizations, the Bison Health Network....

08/27/2026

Students in Advanced Bison Production in the SDState - Department of Animal Science were so excited to receive their Bison Producers Handbooks that they’ll use throughout the semester! They wanted to share a huge thank you to the National Bison Association for being such wonderful friends to the program and for their continued support for educating students on this wonderful species!

08/10/2026

Our SDSU Bison Club was so fortunate to attend the National Bison Association Northern Regional Summer Conference in Choteau, MT this summer! Here, both Drs. Martin and Urso spoke at the conference, while our students learned from many experts how raising bison is more than just the animal, it also includes the wonderful world and animals around them. We are very grateful for our hosts at Deep Creek Bison as well as the National Bison Associations for providing scholarships so these students could attend this amazing opportunity.

08/03/2026

One of our graduate students, Katya Lopez-Bondarchuk, had a great poster presentation at the 2026 Comparative Nutrition Symposium in Victoria, B.C., Canada! At this conference, many zoological managers, nutritionists, and industry connections were present to hear about her work comparing mineral concentrations in bison livers across multiple locations. Great work Katya!

04/23/2026

From 160,000 years of history to projections for 2100, SDSU researchers are mapping out how climate changes may reshape the future of bison across North America. Read the full story below and see how SDSU is helping shape the future of bison conservation.

South Dakota State University researchers calibrated thousands of years of bison existence records with future projected weather patterns to forecast a significant northwest shift in suitable living conditions for the North American bison.

04/20/2026

Bison Health Network for All Producers

The Bison Health Network was introduced at the National Bison Association Winter Conference, where stakeholders identified several key priorities. These included access to a centralized knowledge hub on health, nutrition, and management; the development of a surveillance network to monitor disease, parasites, and national health trends; and the opportunity to be part of a collaborative community dedicated to advancing bison health.

This direct input from producers and stakeholders will guide the Network’s priorities and ensure it delivers meaningful, practical value to the industry.

If you are interested in joining the Bison Health Network head to: https://www.sdstate.edu/south-dakota-agricultural-experiment-station/center-excellence-bison-studies/bison-health-network

04/17/2026

On Tuesday, five undergraduate students at SDSU presented their research on bison at the annual Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Day (SRSCAD).

Amelie Blakely, Kelsey Vockrodt, Taylor Even, Madox Balmer, and Cassandra Rohrbaugh all presented their wonderful work on potential linkages of the rumen microbiome and M. bovis under the supervision of Dr. Benoit St-Pierre.

We are so grateful to have such wonderful researchers and projects supporting bison at SDSU!

04/16/2026

Madison Higbee, a student in the SDSU Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine in Brookings, SD, recently shared her research on the bison rumen at the Annual PPVM Poster Session. She worked on this project with Dr. Urso and hopes the findings will help both bison producers and researchers make informed decisions about bison health and feeding practices. Watch for her data in an upcoming manuscript and at the NBA Winter Conference Poster Session!

Congratulations and great work Madison!

04/14/2026

Our team had a fantastic time at the Minnesota Bison Association Spring Education Conference this past weekend! It was an incredible few days of sharing research, connecting with industry experts, and strengthening our bison community.

Here are a few highlights from the trip:

Graduate student Angela Lemminger presented the new body condition scoring rubric, sharing examples and explaining how this guide can help producers assess herd health and maintain optimal condition year-round.

Dr. Phil Urso contributed his expertise to the “Maximizing Your Feed & Nutrition Program” panel, discussing key factors behind making informed, effective feed decisions for healthy herds.

We were proud to have 5 Bison Club members in attendance! These students volunteered their time and built valuable connections within the industry.

Thank you to the Minnesota Bison Association for hosting such an educational and impactful event!

04/08/2026

From hands‑on fieldwork to meaningful research, our graduate students help move bison science forward every day. We’re grateful for their passion and dedication. Join us in celebrating all their accomplishments and contributions during Graduate Student Appreciation Week!