WINNIPEG, July 22 (CNS Canada) – Demand for Canadian bison is rising in the United States, the head of an industry group says.
The number of bison exported to the U.S. has increased over the last two years and the upward trend is expected to continue in 2016, said Terry Kremeniuk, executive director of the Canadian Bison Association.
“The bison market is very strong, and it’s strong because of demand for the product,” Kremeniuk said.
“The U.S. demand has been influenced by the value of the Canadian dollar. It has certainly moved a lot of product into the U.S.”
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Almost 28,000 bison were exported to the U.S. in 2015, up from almost 20,000 in 2014, Kremeniuk said. The pace this year is on track to export more than 28,000.
The strong demand has also bumped up prices.
“Benchmark, grade A bison bulls are at about C$6 per pound hot hanging weight,” said Kremeniuk .
“That compares to about $5 per pound a year ago.”
The Canada’s bison erd is about 140,000 to 150,000 animals this year and there are 800 to 900 producers in Western Canada, Kremeniuk said.
Each year new producers get added into the mix while current producers expand operations.
The market could benefit when the Canadian government and the European Union finalize the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
“The bison industry has worked with trade folks in Canada and the European Union over the years to try to eliminate the tariffs, and CETA is very important for the long-term viability of the industry,” Kremeniuk said.
“It’s certainly an exciting time for the bison industry and we are optimistic the growth in the industry will be demonstrated in the next few years.”
