Beginning Producer Checklist

Checklist For New Bison Ranches

Raising bison is a rewarding endeavor that connects you to the land, history, and a growing market. Whether you’re starting with a small herd or dreaming of wide-open pastures, success begins with preparation. This checklist is designed as a starting point. Established bison operations will tell you that having a plan is a great first step, but this animal will teach you new lessons every day.

Having a vision for your operation is important. Before you can begin your journey, ask yourself, “why do I want to raise bison?” Answering that question will place you on a clearer path.

Plan

Secure a farm/ranch business location (whether for purchase, rent or lease).
Complete the business planning process (production, marketing and financial plans).
Create a grazing plan: match stocking rates to carrying capacity for the land.
Select and develop your products and/or services.
Identify a veterinarian with bison experience, if possible.
Join your local state/regional bison association along with the NBA.

Visit

Attend field days, workshops, courses, or formal education programs to build necessary skills to ensure you can successfully produce your products and/or services.
Review your business plans with an advisor.
Research what resources might be available to support your business and vision.
Formally or informally seek mentorship: volunteers who have experience in running and managing bison businesses.
Meet with your neighbors to establish a working relationship (this will help if animals get out).

Fund

Secure necessary financing (farm capitalization and operating).
Establish credit with key suppliers. Open farm business bank account(s).
Set up farm bookkeeping and record keeping systems.

Build

Establish farm legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, cooperative).
Register your farm business and get a farm number; obtain a business certificate.
Obtain tax identification numbers for the farm business: Sales tax, employer’s tax.
Acquire necessary permits, licenses, and certifications; prepare to comply with all relevant regulations at the local, state and federal levels.
Purchase necessary insurance like liability, health, life, crop, property, and workers’ compensation.
Obtain necessary supplies and equipment.
Construct ranch infrastructure: fence, water, corrals etc.
Purchase animals once business planning and infrastructure is complete.

Sell

Establish distribution channels/markets for farm products or live animals.
Produce promotional and advertising materials.
Explore adding and selling value-added products to diversify your offerings.

Maintain

Schedule routine veterinary care (1-2 times a year at minimum) to maintain vaccinations, monitor for body conditioning, and evaluate for new challenges.
Track forage quality and supplement with hay and nutrients based on quality of forage (consider testing to verify nutritional content).
Keep track of important financial information, deadlines, and resources.
Manage: risks, finances, land, and resources.

Have More Questions? Visit Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

And the bison business is thriving. The meat is healthier than beef, with more protein and less fat than salmon, and it is also more lucrative for ranchers.

–Bloomberg Businessweek

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I joined the NBA to primarily educate myself about bison but I quickly learned I now had a ready resource of experienced bison ranchers willing to help an novice rancher achieve my goals.

– Chris Silver, Gold Coast Bison

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