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Bison by the Numbers

From Plains to Plates:
Insights from Bison Data & Stats

Analyzing the data reveals valuable insights into the current state of bison populations, allowing us to appreciate how the bison industry is transforming sustainable agricultural practices and shaping the future of these magnificent animals. Furthermore, we can highlight the persistent efforts devoted to their conservation and protection, celebrating the vital role bison play in our ecosystem, from the plains to our dinner tables.

1,986
1,986

There are 1,986 private U.S. ranches and farms raising bison, according to the 2022 USDA census.

192,477
192,477

There are 192,477 bison in the United States residing on private ranches and farms, according to the 2022 USDA census.

149,539
149,539

The Canadian private-bison herd size is 149,539 according to 2021 Canadian Census of Ag.

13,000
13,000

The number of Canadian publicly managed bison is 13,000, according to 2020 Canadian Parks.

11,000
Custer State Park Entrance

The number of bison in US federal herds is approximately 11,000. (DOI 2020)

10,000
10,000

There are 10,000 Bison in State and other Public herds (USFWS 2022).

30,000
Tribal Land with Bison Herd in Background

An estimated 30,000 bison are on tribal lands (US and Canada).

400,000
Bison Herd

There are an estimated 40,000 herds size in North America today.

30 – 60 Million
1900 etching of bison herd.

30 – 60 Million estimated North American herd size before 1900.

< 1,000
< 1,000

Before 1900, there were less than 1,000 bison before efforts were made to preserve and restore the species.

80,000

In 2023, around 80,000 bison were harvested in the U.S., a figure that highlights the significant role of bison farming in sustainable meat production. For comparison, the U.S. beef industry slaughters approximately 125,000 cattle each day.

74,849
Bison Meat

In 2023, there were 74,849 U.S. bison harvests under federal inspection. State-inspected slaughter adds approximately 20% to the total bison harvested in the U.S. in 2023.

27,470
27,470

In 2023, 27,470 harvest-ready Canadian bison were imported to the U.S.

11,700
Bison Canada Herd

In 2023, 11,700 Canadian feeder bison were imported to the U.S.

270-285
270-285

The gestation period for a bison cow is 270-285 days.

40-50

The approximate weight of a newborn calf is 40-50 pounds.

20 years
20 years

The average reproductive life span of the average bison cow is 20 years.

22 – 30
mature bison

The age of a mature meat animal is 22-23 months.

2.42
Cooked Bison Meat

Cooked bison is a healthier option, containing only 2.42 grams of fat per 100-gram serving, while cooked beef has 10.15 grams of fat.

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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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