MnBA Annual Spring Education Conference

Join the Sunset Hills Bison Ranch, Dreesman Buffalo Ranch, & the Minnesota Bison Association as we explore new ways of driving farm profitability. This fun & interactive weekend will give you plenty to think about!

Hotel Information:
Hotel Millwright
800 48th Ave, Amana, IA 52203
(319) 838-5015

 

Agenda:

Friday, March 21^st

2 pm – MnBA Board Meeting

4 pm – Registration Opens/Social

5:30 – 7 pm – Bison meatloaf buffet dinner

6:15 pm – Conference welcome from the Sunset Hills Bison Ranch, Dreesman Buffalo Ranch, and Choose Iowa

7:15 pm – NBA Update – Lydia Whitman, National Bison Association

8:15 pm – Get to Know Harvest Hosts – Representative from Harvest Hosts

8:45 pm – Optional: Bison 101 Crash Course

Saturday, March 22^nd

7:30 am – Morning Registration Open/Trade Show Booths opens

8 am – Light breakfast available

8 am – MnBA Membership Meeting

9:45 am – Networking break

10 – 11 am – Panel: Creative Ways to Make Money with Bison – Bethany Kriegel, Bud Koeppen, Craig Fischer, and Tom Dreesman

11:15 am – 12 pm – Lessons Learned to Boost Your Direct-to-Consumer Meat Sales – Megan Olesiak, Nebraska Bison

12 pm – Lunch

1:15 – 2 pm – Breakout: How to Store Feed to Maximize Stability and Improve Animal Nutrition – Shelby Gruss, ISU Extension and Outreach
1:15 – 2 pm – Breakout: The Ins and Outs of Running a CSA – Craig Fischer, Sleepy Bison Acres

2:15 – 3 pm – Breakout: Desired Conditioning of Bison Carcasses for Slaughter – Brent Miller, North American Bison LLC and Bill Dayton, Dayton Meat Products
2:15 – 3 pm – Breakout: How Grants and Cost-share Programs can Help Grow Your Business – Lydia Whitman, National Bison Association

3 – 3:20 pm – Afternoon Break

3:20 – 4:20 pm – A Will Does Not a Transition Plan Make – Lisa Quist, Nationwide

4:30 pm – Happy Hour/Social at hotel bar

6:30 pm – Banquet mean is served

7:45 pm – Fun Auction

 

Sunday, March 23^rd

8:3o am – MnBA Board Meeting

9 – 11 am – Breakfast & Tours at the Sunset Hills Bison Ranch
(1307 400^th Ave, Malcom, IA 50157)