Contemporary Honorees

Mark Silzer

Mark Silzer

Mark Silzer was the integral individual that created the working relationship between the Canadian Bison Association and the NationalBison Association. His commitment, service, and advocacy for the bison have spanned several decades. His long-term dedication to...

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Bruce Anderson

Bruce Anderson

His commitment, service and advocacy played a crucial role in the development of today’s bison industry, particularly in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s when the industry plummeted.

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Rusty Seedig

Rusty Seedig

Helped establish a significant part of the modern bison processing, distribution, and marketing infrastructure.

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Robert Edward “Ted” Turner

Robert Edward “Ted” Turner

Recognized for the more than 50,000 head of bison at the multiple Turner Ranches, along with the promotion of bison meat offered at Ted’s Montana Grill restaurants.

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Bob Dineen

Bob Dineen

Actively progressed the processing of bison meat. Also recognized for his unselfish contributions to the bison industry.

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William “Bill” Lenton

William “Bill” Lenton

Played a large part in getting federal certification for bison slaughter that opened the gate for international shipping. In 1982 founding member of the Canadian Bison Association.

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Dr. Kenneth Throlson

Dr. Kenneth Throlson

As a veterinarian, his willingness to assist others in buffalo health has been instrumental in healthier herds across North America.

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Brian Kent Ward

Brian Kent Ward

Recognized for serving a variety of leadership positions in the American Bison Association, the National Bison Association, and Throlson American Bison Foundation.

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Del Hensel

Del Hensel

Actively involved with the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA) since 1983. This collaboration resulted in acquiring an indemnity for TB infected bison.

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Armando “Bud” Flocchini, Jr.

Armando “Bud” Flocchini, Jr.

Recognized for his instrumental and composed leadership during the arduous process of the merger between the American Bison and the National Buffalo Associates. Bud today continues to be an active leader in the industry.

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Armando “Flo” Flocchini Sr.

Armando “Flo” Flocchini Sr.

Flocchini’s Durham Ranch was one of the first bison producers to clean up brucellosis in a bison herd by testing and eradicating diseased animals and by vaccinating calves. Armando was a charter member of the National Buffalo Association.

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Fred Bell Matthews

Fred Bell Matthews

The Fred Matthews Buffalo Corrals, at Custer State Park in South Dakota were designed by Matthews in 1955 and remain relatively the same today.

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Martin Collins

Martin Collins

Began raising in 1925 and promoted buffalo to thousands through Agritourism, a meat market and small rodeo.

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Lawrence Peterson

Lawrence Peterson

Under his Presidential leadership, a permanent headquarters for the National Buffalo Association was established Custer, SD in 1977.

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Opal “Toots” Marquis

Opal “Toots” Marquis

As a charter member and Board Director of the National Buffalo Association, she co-authored the first Buffalo Meat Cookbook. Marquis owned one of the oldest private herds in the U.S.

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L. Roy Houck

L. Roy Houck

Credited with beginning the National Buffalo Association in 1966. Established Triple U (Bison) Enterprises 1959.

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