WILDROSE 2025 RECAP

The Annual WILDROSE BISON CONVENTION / SHOW & SALE
Just Keeps Getting Better !!

And 2025 was no Exception

186 were in Attendance for the day on Friday,
and 37 more for the evening - talk about an awesome turnout !

BPA Chair, Bruce Downey , opened the Convention with a warm 'Welcome', and an update of the BPA activities over the last year.

Bruce then introduced Brian Arnold from Ontario, President of the Canadian Bison Association :

Next up to the Podium was the new Executive Director for the CBA, Scott Yule :

Scott has worked in producer-facing roles, in management, with businesses that are financially weak, in areas of operations, marketing and risk - but has always felt connected to the producer. He knows there will always be challenges, but feels there are tons of opportunities in our industry.

The Keynote Speaker for the morning was Reg Shandro , noted on his webpage as One "Exceptional" Farm Advisory Speaker - and that note wasn't wrong !

Reg spoke for over an hour offering sound advice to help farm economics and family dynamics flourish. He doesn't read from scripted notes, his approach is to stimulate your thought processes to help you understand and accept change so that you can take action.

The comments from attendees after Reg presented were over-the-top complimentary on what he imparted and how. He was a speaker many wanted to hear again.

AND THEN it was LUNCHTIME - featuring delicious Bison Cervaleat Sausages supplied by Canadian Rangeland Bison with all the trimmings. Although extras were brought and cooked, None were left.

Over Lunchtime, the attendees visited the Trade Booths of our Sponsors, some of which are featured in the following photos :

CANADIAN RANGELAND BISON -

ELK VALLEY BISON -

NOBLE PREMIUM BISON -

ONE-TIME FENCING -

O'CANADA BISON WOOL CORP. -

CANADIAN AGRI-BLEND INC. - 

HI-HOG FARM & RANCH EQUIPMENT -

BIG BEND MARKET -

RANGE WARD -

Just before Lunchtime ended, there was a special presentation for two Lakeland Agriculture College Students in the Bison Program who were awarded Scholarships by Canadian Rangeland Bison. Shown in the photo below is Canadian Rangeland representative Jackie Fisher, Erika Moore (Instructor at Lakeland College) who accepted on behalf of Stephanie Ullrich who was unable to attend, and Abdul Haseeb - second recipient of the Scholarship Award.

Keeping with the Schedule, Ashley Scott from CCIA (Canadian Cattle Identification Agency) spoke next on the role CCIA plays in livestock management and traceability.

Many of the attendees advised they really were not aware of the CCIA role, and learned a great deal.

Next up was Tannis Falt from Heartland Feeds who spoke on Key-Lix Tubs and Nutrition - it is always interesting to hear about the latest and different products that are available to use for the health of our bison.

THEN IT WAS TIME to head to the Westerner to view the Bison consigned for the Wildrose Bison Show & Sale !! And there were some beautiful Bison to View !!

Doreen Neilley did an amazing job in planning the pen layout, Jamie Morrill with Morand Industries had his squeeze / scale / and tub unit all set up for smooth unloading and weighing of the incoming bison, and the Wierenga Barn Crew (Jim, Levi, and Sam) ensured the animals were well-cared for at the Westerner. A big 'Thank You' to Perry Kolesar for arranging the bales of shavings / their delivery & spreading, and another big 'Thank You' to Brian Newton of Bison Coulee Contracting for supplying the Hay for the Bison and getting the donation of a skidster from Brandt to unload the shavings and load the panels. It takes a Village.

Back at the Holiday Inn South, we moved onto the Judges Comments and Award Presentations to the winning Consignors.

Our Judges this year were Merek Wigness of Wigness Bison, Admiral, SK & Travis Graham of JT Bison Company, Carivale, SK - and they both said it wasn't an easy job, the bison were very even and top quality.

GOLD and GRAND CHAMPION MALE - #15, a 2023 Bull from XY Bison (Bill Bouffioux)

Bill was not able to attend, his daughter Cyndy accepted for him. Paul and Cindy Kolesar of Landlink Investments sponsored the Grand and Reserve Champion Males, but were not available for the trophy presentations.

The remaining Placings for the For the 2023 Bulls, sponsored by Canadian Rangeland Bison :
- SILVER went to Bear Paw Bison, Lyle & Debra Froehlich
- BRONZE went to Roaming K Bison, Keegan & Kendall Kitzell
- HONORABLE MENTION went to Bison Ridge Farms, Denver Johnson
- The WILDCARD Bull was fromIron River Elk & Bison, Bruce & Avis Friedel

GOLD & RESERVE CHAMPION MALE - #2, a 2022 Bull from Elk Valley Ranches. 

Accepting the Award is Tristan McAllister of Elk Valley Ranches (Neil's son and Frank's grandson) and Tristan's daughter Oaklynn.

The remaining Placings for the For the 2022 Bulls - sponsored by Alberta Bison Ranch:
- SILVER / BRONZE / and HONORABLE MENTION ALL went to Cramer Bison, Robin / Dawn / Keara & Jayden Cramer

GOLD & GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE - #49, a 2022 Bred Heifer from Roaming K Bison - Keegan & Kendall Kitzul.

Sponsored by Canadian Rangeland Bison, trophy plaque presented by Jackie Fisher.

The remaining Placings for the for the 2022 Bred Heifers, sponsored by Irish Creek Bison :
- SILVER went toRoaming K Bison - Keegan & Kendall Kitzul
- BRONZE went toRoaming K Bison - Keegan & Kendall Kitzul
- HONORABLE MENTION went to Bear Paw Bison, Lyle & Debra Froehlich

GOLD & RESERVE CHAMPION FEMALE - #35, a 2023 Open Heifer from Donally Livestock.

Cyndy Donally accepted the Award from Jackie Fisher of Canadian Rangeland Bison

The remaining Placings for the 2023 Open Heifers, sponsored by Country Junction Feeds :
- SILVER went toDonally Livestock - Cyndy Donally
- BRONZE went toRocky Meadow Bison - Ryan Yachyshen
- HONORABLE MENTION went to Bear Paw Bison, Lyle & Debra Froehlich

The Placings for the 2024 Bull Calves, sponsored by Sun Creek Ranches

- GOLD went toElk Valley Ranches - Frank & Neil McAllister
- SILVER went toRocky Meadow Bison - Ryan Yachyshen
- BRONZE went to Providence Wood Bison - John & Doris Pilon
- HONORABLE MENTION went toRocky Meadow Bison - Ryan Yachyshen

The Placings for the "Pen of Two" 2024 Heifer Calves, sponsored by Maple Roo Bison :

- GOLD went toRocky Meadow Bison - Ryan Yachyshen
- SILVER went toElk Valley Ranches - Frank & Neil McAllister
- BRONZE went to Irish Creel Bison - Justin & Shaelyn Dorey

THEN it was 4 pm - time for WAYNE LEE - Motivational Speaker / Hypnotist

Wayne's performance was beyond the expectations of absolutely everyone ! Using his powers to hypnotize, Wayne offered methods that all attendees could utilize to focus on positives, energy, and unlock potentials we didn't know we had.

It would take a book to relay all the fun had by his volunteers (including BPA Chair Bruce Downey), but the following provides a few photos :

Wayne stayed for the remainder of the evening, chatting with many and thoroughly enjoying himself. He truly is "one of a kind".

Following Wayne Lee was the Bison Banquet, with Bison Rib-Eye Steaks provided by Canadian Rangeland Bison. There were however, 8 Tomahawk Steaks (the next step up from the Rib-Eye) that were auctioned for one table - with the high bid going to Brennin Jack of Jack Auction Group ! No one complained though, the meal we all enjoyed was simply delicious.

The Wildrose Convention was extremely honored to have the Alberta Minister of Agriculture, R.J. Sigurdson, speak towards the end of our Banquet.

Mr. Sigurdson addressed the concern many in the room had regarding the possible ramifications the U.S.Tarrifs could bring, and possible recourse options that may be taken by the provincial and federal levels of government. We are so fortunate to have a person that cares about agriculture and our producers working for our industry.

The Next "Presentation" was not on the Agenda - Chair Bruce Downey asked all BPA Directors (former and current) to come up to the front, then asked Linda Sautner to come up. Bruce expressed some memorable and lovely compliments about the 22 years Linda has been the Office Manager for the BPA, and how much she is appreciated for all that she contributes. Linda was then given a huge basket over-flowing with gift items from the BPA - AND - Yvonne Mills (BPA Vice Chair) removed a gift box from the basket. Inside was the most beautiful diamond pendant. Needless to say, Linda was completely overwhelmed. She hasn't taken the pendant off since that evening, and has said she likely never will - it will be treasured always.

NEXT UP - DANNY HOOPER conducted the LIVE FUN AUCTION !

And it was a LOT of Fun.  The number of Donations to be Auctioned from Sponsors and Attendees was the most we have ever had - and what an assortment.  A Bison Fur Trapper Hat, a Bar Fridge with awesome graphics on the front, a Suite for 10 at "THE TRACK on 2" Horse Racing Event Centre, a Steak Ager , a 1970's LP Record by Danny Hooper, an incredible patio cooler filled with everything you need for Margaritas, a Robert Bateman print of Bison Bull 'Big Chief', several bottles of MAPLE SYRUP brought from Quebec by Gervais Bisson...and... and... so much more.  Danny did his usual 'great' job (with assistance from Brianna & Ashton Newton and Curtis Begg helping to show each item) and Brennin Jack graciously compiled the bidders and numbers.  A BIG THANK YOU to those that donated and those that bid - your support for the BPA is so very appreciated !

The WILDROSE BISON SALE didn't start until 8:30 so Danny could finish off the Live Auction, but when it began it was firing on all cylinders with a lot of bidding happening both online and at the Convention.  The Bison had been videoed by Jack Auction Group back at the Westerner Arena, and this excellent footage was featured on the two big screens while each animal was being sold.  JAG had Richard Bramley & Don Oberg for spotters, and Doug Bidlock from Hi-Hog even helped out.  GREAT work Gentlemen !!

There were a lot of happy people after this Sale, both buyers and consignors !

Throughout the evening, Tickets for $50 Each were being sold for the 2025 HEIFER CALF RAFFLE :

THE 2024 HEIFER CALF THAT was DONATED by ERWIN & JUDY VAN HAREN for the "HEIFER CALF RAFFLE" was ONE of the BEST from their FRONTIER FARMS. FRONTIER FARMS HAVE WON AWARDS at PAST WILDROSE SHOWS for their BISON - VAN HAREN'S BREEDING PROGRAM was PROVEN again with this BEAUTIFUL HEIFER.

WHEN the WINNING TICKET was PULLED - IT BELONGED to BRIAN & AMANDA NEWTON of BISON COULEE CONTRACTING !! Congratulations Newtons !!

The remainder of the evening was enjoyed over a few drinks, listening to Danny Hooper entertain, and networking with fellow industry members.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15
 - Time for the 2025 BPA Annual General Meeting

BPA Chair, Bruce Downey welcomed the large turnout of people for the AGM, then introduced the Current Board of Directors.

• Peace Country Region :  Brandon Adam, Troy Foster, Logan Kjemhus
• Central Region :  Vincent Roes, Justin Dorey, Nathaniel Ostashewski
• South Region :  Bruce Downy, Yvonne Mills, Brian Newton

The Financial Statements for 2024, Draft Budget for 2025, and auditing firm of HC Professionals to conduct the Year End Financial Statements for the BPA for 2025 were all reviewed, and moved to be accepted.

Under New Business, the Status of Current Directors was reviewed, noting that Vincent Roes in the Central Region was stepping down and a new person would be needed to fill that position.  There were three candidates nominated prior to the AGM - Brennan McAllister, Scott MacLeod, and Bruce Friedel.  There were no nominees from the floor.  Both Scott and Bruce advised they were withdrawing from the nomination list, and Brennan McAllister became the new Director for the Central Region by acclimation.  (Welcome Aboard Brennan.)

Vincent was thanked for his time and participation over his four years on the Board,and wished all the best.

Discussion was held on the Cost of the BPA Membership, which increased from $125 for 2024 to $200 for 2025.  It was decided the amount be left for another year.

Bruce spoke on the Alberta Wilderness Association, having attended two days of meeting with them and a number of other invited people.  Amongst their ideas, they would like to see Plains Bison declared a Species at Risk, which would greatly compromise the bison meat industry.  Bruce and BPA Directors have met with AB government to ensure all parties are informed, noting there is a great deal of misinformation happening.

The CBA Show & Sale Committee is proposing combining the CBA Bison Convention / Show & Sale with each Region's event (moving around the Regions each year).  Revenues and Expenses would be split between the CBA and the Region, suggesting this idea first occurs in February in Alberta. The CBA would still pen some bison at the Agribition for a separate sale to keep their place at the Agribition. The Bison Sale at the combined location would be virtual.

Discussion included support both for and against video sales, support both for and against the timing of February, both for and against the proposal (the Wildrose is doing great, perhaps not the right time for this proposal), with the consensus that exact revenue and expenses from both the CBA and BPA are needed to make an informed decision.

It was moved to form a Committee to explore the proposal more thoroughly. 

Committee members are :  Bruce Downey, Ivan Smith, Bruce Friedel, Neil Hochstein, Steven Lunty, Neil McAllister, and Linda Sautner.

As there was no other New Business, Bruce Downey adjourned the AGM at 10:15 am.

The first Speaker Presentation for Saturday morning was Erika Moore from Lakeland Agriculture College providing an update on the Bison Project at Lakeland College.  She is the advisor for the Bison Unit on the Student-Managed Farm and teaches Bison Production to Animal Science Students.  Sounds like the Bison Project, made possible by the generous donation from Armin and Rita Mueller, is quite successful.

Up next was Riley James with Cap Solar Pumps, discussing the Cap Solar Watering System.

A life-time member of the agriculture community, Riley purchased Cap Solar Pumps in 2024. He saw how the company offered expert solutions for livestock watering needs - including solar powered pumps, durable troughs and off-grid systems, with innovative and cost effective solar systems.  There was certainly a Great deal of interest in the products Riley provides.

The last part of the morning was the PRODUCER PANEL - comprised of Mike Jacobson with Noble Premium Bison (a Bison Marketer in North America and Europe), Dean Andres with Canadian Rangeland Bison (a Bison Marketer in North America and Europe), Brian Arnold, CBA President (and a bison marketer in Ontario), Ivan Smith of Big Bend Market (a Bison rancher / buyer and seller / owner and butcher of the Big Bend Market), and Paul Kolesar of Land Link Investments (transports live Bison to the US).

The topic of discussion given to these gentlemen was "What is your opinion regarding the US Tariffs"?  Each of them have marketing bison as part of their own role, but each in a different aspect.  Mike has been involved with bison processing and marketing in the US, Dean has travelled North America and Europe developing bison markets, Brian has marketed bison meat from his own farm and supported other producers, Ivan has owned restaurants & stores promoting bison meat and is recognized as the leading butcher & meat market in Red Deer, Paul has had his own bison operation / owned and managed a bison meat retail store, and started transporting live bison to the US several years ago.  All of these men agreed a crystal ball would be nice, but all also agreed they have been through highs and lows in the bison industry over the past several decades and will do whatever they can to survive the US tariffs.  Each relayed how they have coped before, and plans that should help them cope through this time.

AND THAT WAS A WRAP for the 2025 WILDROSE CONVENTION !

Special THANKS to Bruce Downey and Yvvone Mills and the BPA Directors for all their assistance in getting Speakers & Sponsors and pulling this event together, Volunteers : Doreen Neilley, Judy Snyder, Tara Janz, Debra Froehlich, Elly Wierenga, Heide Downey (for her awesome room and table decorations!), Joanne Dorey, Perry and Margie Kolesar, and Rod & Jean for picking up the signs :)