Where the bison managers learn: Extension and outreach as a tool for manager success

Bison managers in the U.S. represent a growing, but often underserved, segment of the livestock industry, facing unique challenges in animal behavior, infrastructure, market access, and limited species-specific research. Despite increasing interest driven by ecological, economic, and cultural motivations, significant gaps exist in educational resources and support networks. Extension and outreach programs can address these gaps by providing targeted, science-based information and fostering peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. The beef cattle industry offers successful Extension cohort program models that can be adapted for bison, incorporating adult-learning preferences and experiential learning. An informal needs assessment revealed distinct regional differences: Western bison production focuses on large herds and landscapes with whole-herd management approaches, while Eastern operations involve smaller herds where individual animal management is feasible, along with different marketing opportunities. The industry’s primary challenge is insufficient peer-reviewed research and Extension programs to disseminate knowledge to managers. Mimicking successful beef cattle outreach programs for managers can help bridge this gap, by focusing on program aspects such as in-person workshops and webinars, out-of-state learning experiences, ranch-to-rail opportunities to retain ownership, and networking and mentoring. The proposed framework provides researchers, Extension specialists, and industry groups ideas and avenues of potential formats for programs, how to incorporate interdisciplinary approaches, and the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge. Leveraging these approaches will strengthen bison manager capacity and contribute to long-term industry sustainability, supporting the continued growth of this ecologically and culturally significant sector.