NBA hosts conference

The National Bison Association (NBA) held its Western Regional Conference at the Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch near Limon, Colo. on Sept. 13-14.

The conference was hosted by ranch Owners Ray and Debbie Thieman and featured a full day of education, beginning with a virtual tour of the ranch and various activities.

According to an Oct. 2 NBA press release by Bison World Editor Karen Conley, nearly 100 people from around the region came to the ranch to enjoy herd tours, educational speakers and outstanding homemade food. 

“The extended Thieman and Bennett families, along with a handful of neighbors and friends, rolled out the red carpet to welcome visitors with exceptional hospitality,” she states. “The family went above and beyond with their hospitality.”

During the conference, attendees were surprised when a television film crew showed up and began setting up. 

Conley says, “‘Discovery Channel Homestead Rescue’ Hosts Marty and Matt Raney came to be part of the afternoon educational session on partnerships as they were nearby filming at another bison ranch.”

The crew was filming at another local ranch, the Wild K Bison Ranch, owned and operated by Kevin and Mellisa Kuper, for a future episode which will air in 2025 and decided to stop by for a surprise visit.

“With plenty of ‘Homestead Rescue’ fans in the mix, the Raneys were kind enough to visit with everyone and even take some photos,” Conley states. “The weekend at Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch exceeded everyone’s expectations and made a wonderful impression on the new and seasoned producers in attendance.” 

This was the final regional NBA conference for the year. However, plans are already being made for another series of four regional conferences to be held in the summer of 2025.

Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch

 What began as a small hobby ranch venture on the eastern plains of Colorado has grown into a sustainable operation supporting three generations.

“The Thiemans purchased their first 29 bison in 1999 and have grown the herd as high as 1,500 head early on, but now they run about 800 head on four separate leased ranches and the home ranch,” Conley explains.

The fully-integrated operation is truly a family affair. Daughter Carrie and her husband Shawn Bennett are partners in the ranching operation, and daughter Rebecca Stanko and her sons Chad and Brent Thieman, all help at the ranch when they are able. 

Conley notes “The grandchildren are the next generation of the ranch, with several of them being heavily involved, while others have a stake through animal ownership and working on the ranch when they can.”

“When we started out, we did everything with a hired person,” says Ray Thieman in the press release. “When our children and grandchildren began to get involved, we quit using outside help and have been able to work things out between the family. Everyone has skin in the game, so they want to make it succeed.”

Conley points out the ranch and its animals are thriving, and the diversification on the ranch has opened doors to various income sources. 

According to the press release, the family built the operation slowly over time, and it was a good financial move allowing for adjustments in the business plan which they have been able to respond to in an ever-changing marketplace.

As part of the ranch’s diversification, the families began offering summer evening herd tours, ending with bison burgers grilled onsite at the outdoor pavilion and smores around the campfire, Conley mentions.

“The family also built an event building, which was initially slated for family use but quickly morphed into so much more,” Conley further adds. “They host community events, business meetings, family reunions and holiday events. The building has a full kitchen to facilitate food service for events.”

In addition to supplying meat to the community, the ranch also has a robust hunting operation.

Conley concludes, “While the ranch tour segment continues to grow, the family explored the Harvest Host option for hosting overnight campers. The partnership with Harvest Host has been very beneficial, as many campers will book a herd tour for the evening they are staying at the ranch.” 

Melissa Anderson is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.