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Energy Sources>Rawhide Energy Station>
Bison HerdAmerican Bison Herd Fact Sheet
The American Bison herd was purchased in November 1983 from a ranch in Wray, Colorado. This original herd numbered 9 cows, 10 calves and one mature bull, "The Duke of Wellington." The animals are descendents of a Haxtun, Colorado, herd begun over 50 years ago by the Roger Cunningham family whose herd descended from the herd at Custer State Park in South Dakota.
The herd was purchased through an "Adopt-a-Buffalo" program proposed by Platte River's first general manager, Albert J. Hamilton, and approved by Platte River's Board of Directors. A total of 28 businesses, groups and individuals donated funds to purchase the original herd.
Colorado State University Animal Sciences Department personnel traveled around the United States evaluating bison and attempting to locate and purchase superior quality animals for the original herd.
The land around the Rawhide Energy Station, owned and operated by Platte River Power, is home to the herds. Herd counts have ranged from 20 to 51. In 1999, the main herd was separated into an upper and lower herd to strengthen bloodlines and facilitate pasture rotation.
Platte River and the Colorado State University Department of Animal Sciences maintain the herd through a management cooperation agreement. The Department of Animal Sciences has worked closely with Platte River staff, especially environmental staff, to design and maintain bison handling facilities and fences to assist with herd management and pasture rotation planning.
Since 1986, Platte River has entered animals in the National Bison Association (NBA) Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Stock Show held in Denver annually in January. These animals have received numerous awards.
In 1997, Platte River was named producer of the year during the NBA Gold Trophy Show and Sale at the National Western Stock Show, receiving the Tony Heim Memorial Award.
Platte River requires the herd to be self-maintaining when it comes to funds. Any funds realized from the sale of animals are designated for herd maintenance and a portion is given to CSU to enhance teaching and for research programs.
Platte River staff provide water, supplemental feed, rotate the herd from pasture to pasture. Individual Animals are also sold at private treaty.
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