The bison industry is very small. There are approximately 450,000 head of bison in North America vs. 94 million cattle in the US alone. As a result the bison industry does not have the efficiencies that the cattle industry enjoys. Bison take longer to produce, they are 24 months old when harvested vs. 15 to 18 months for beef. Bison cows are a year older when they have their first calf. Bison require less management but better fences and facilities.

Most importantly if small family ranches are going to continue to raise bison they have to be profitable. The only incentive to increase bison production is economics – they have to cost more. Bison meat is leaner and produced on a much smaller scale – this costs more too.

The story of the bison in North America is one of the greatest conservation stories in history. When you purchase bison you help support family ranches and become part of this great story.