Three Days at theBuffalo Roundup

I spent Wednesday through Friday in Custer State Park at the invitation of Governor Larry Rhoden and his office for the Buffalo Roundup. Friday’s main event was incredible to witness, but the conversations and time spent together throughout all three days were just as meaningful.

An estimated 30 million or more buffalo once roamed North America. By the late 1800s, roughly 1,000 remained after being driven nearly to extinction. Their recovery has taken generations of work by Native communities, conservationists, ranchers, and others committed to protecting them. Knowing that history gives a different weight to seeing a herd like this today.

What began as a herd-management effort in the 1960s grew into a public tradition that now brings thousands of people together to watch, with crowds reaching more than 20,000. But even with that audience, the roundup remains a working event with an important purpose.

At its heart, the roundup is about the health and well-being of the buffalo. Bringing the herd into the corrals allows staff to check the animals’ health, vaccinate calves, and select animals for the annual auction. Managing the herd’s size helps ensure there’s enough grass to support the buffalo through winter without overgrazing the land. It’s about caring for both the animals and the place they call home—not simply putting on a show.

Beyond the roundup itself, there’s value in having a room full of people take time to talk, share ideas, and learn what others are working on. Governor Rhoden brought everyone together around a shared experience, but the connections were being made all across the room. Those conversations give people a chance to understand one another and see where they can work together. When people know each other, it’s easier to pick up the phone, ask for help, or collaborate on something that benefits South Dakota.

A sincere thank-you to Governor Rhoden, his family, and his entire team for the invitation and the hospitality throughout these three days. Thank you for all the work behind the scenes and for making people feel welcome. Thank you as well to the park staff, riders, and volunteers whose work makes the roundup possible. I’m grateful to have been included and to have experienced this part of South Dakota alongside so many people who care deeply about its future.