Switching from Cattle to Bison Ranching as a Climate Change Adaptation

Dates: September 20-22, 2021
Meets: M, Tu and W from 12 M to 12 M
 Location: Intro lecture online + field trips
Cost:  $45.00

Sorry, the signup deadline has passed.

Date Day Time
09/20/2021Monday12M to 12M
09/21/2021Tuesday12M to 12M
09/22/2021Wednesday12M to 12M

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2021 - 2022 OLLI at MSU Membership or 2021 - 2022 OLLI at MSU Membership

Bruce Maxwell, a professor in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Science at MSU, will lead this class which consists of an online introductory lecture and field trip visits to the Flying-D Ranch and the North Bridger Bison. You will also hear from range science expert Fred Provenza, Native American faculty and ranch managers.

The online introductory lecture will be followed by two 2-hour field trips to visit two different bison ranches. Details about the field trips, including directions to the ranches, will be provided during the online lecture. OLLI members drive themselves, bring portable chairs, water, sunscreen, hats and jackets. Walking will be on uneven ground.

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Fee:  $45.00

Intro lecture online + field trips


  • Online

  • Flying-D Ranch

  • North Bridger Ranch

Helen Augare-Carlson

Director, Native Science Field Center, Blackfeet Community College

Danny Johnson

Ranch Manager, Flying D Turner Ranch

Bruce Maxwell

Bruce Maxwell is Professor of Agroecology in the Land Resources and Environmental Science Department and is Director of the Institute on Ecosystems at MSU. Bruce came in 1992 from the University of Minnesota. He holds a doctorate degree in crop science and forest ecology from Oregon State University. He completed his MS degree in 1984 in agronomy and a BS degree in botany in 1977 at MSU. He spent 2 years with his wife in the Peace Corps in Micronesia.

Fred Provenza

Retired range science expert, Utah State University

Matt Skogland

Ranch Manager, Northern Bridger Bison
Date Day Time Location
09/20/2021Monday12M to 12M Intro lecture online + field trips
09/21/2021Tuesday12M to 12M Intro lecture online + field trips
09/22/2021Wednesday12M to 12M Intro lecture online + field trips