Animal Husbandry

Ranchers’ Commitment to Responsible Bison Production

The image of bison roaming across an endless prairie is a strong symbol of our American landscape before the settlement by pioneers in the 1800’s. No doubt, these American icons evolved through the centuries to live in harmony with the natural ecosystem of North America.

Bison Feeding: Many Methods, Many Reasons

Every responsible bison rancher develops finishing protocols based upon their available land base, access to feedstocks, customer expectations, and a myriad of other factors. While those factors vary, bison producers are united in their commitment to responsible animal husbandry, environmental stewardship, and providing their customers with a great tasting, nutritionally superior product. Read the NBA’s full report on the myriad of methods used to “finish” bison meat here.

Bison and the Environment

It was nearly a century ago that the British agriculturalist, Sir. Albert Howard, made the notable statement, “Nature never tries to farm without animals.”

Nowhere is that statement more evident than across the ecosystem of North America.

Native grasslands comprise more than 40 percent of North America’s natural landscape. The grasses covering these open landscapes serve as powerful carbon traps, with slender leaves removing CO2 from the atmosphere and returning it to the soil through an extensive system of roots.

Low Stress Bison Handling

Bison  and other livestock will respond to pressure we put on them as we place ourselves into their comfort or flight zone. This zone is the area around them that causes them to take notice we are there, and then, if the pressure isn’t removed, to move away from us. “Low Stress” livestock handling should create an environment, in facilities and handling methods that keep animals mentally calm, content, and unafraid.