Our Ranchers
The bison industry in North America is very small and primarily made up of small family ranches on the high plains of the United States and Canada. This little industry has been through many ups and downs over the past 30 years. We’re proud of the hardworking, committed bison ranchers we have partnered with along the way. At Great Range Bison the ranchers we work with are our friends. It is with their dedication and passion for raising bison using the best practices that we can deliver to you, our customers, this healthy red meat that you will enjoy time and again.
Beldon Bison Ranch
Located near Nipawin, “Saskatchewan’s Playground”, Beldon Bison Ranch covers an area of approximately 4800 acres. The ranch is owned and operated by Don, Paulette and their son Nathan along with his wife Amanda Scott. Don and Paulette started it all in 1987 with just 160 acres, 10 bred cows, a breeding bull and the lofty goal of becoming full time ranchers and creating a sustainable operation to be passed on to the next generation. Many acres, many animals and miles of fence have been added over the years. Don left his work as an electrician in 1992 and Paulette left her job as a legal secretary in 1996. Nathan left his work in Oil and Gas in 2011 to return to the ranch full time.
Black Kettle Buffalo
Black Kettle Buffalo began its journey 35 years ago in a small town in South Central Kansas. I was the owner operator of a small processing plant much like the owner of Rocky Mountain Natural Meats. I know the struggles a young small processor endures to build a business based on truth and fair dealings. That coupled with the tireless efforts not only to turn a fair profit, but Rocky Mountain Natural Meats foresight to ensure their providers turn a profit as well, may be the foundation why many producers choose to do business with Rocky Mountain Natural Meats.
The Ranch: Land Link Investments Ltd.
Our first ten head of bison were imported from Idaho. Our business growth was rapid, only to be slowed down by the collapse of the bison market in the early 2000’s and drought of 2003.
We continued to believe there was something about this industry that was worth the effort. In 1999 we started the farmer’s markets, followed by our meat store a couple years later. This portion of our business continued to grow and allowed us the margins required to continue the ranch.
