REGINA – The bison industry is experiencing more optimism than it has in the past six years, producers were told at their national convention last week.
“From my perspective, this is the most upbeat mood that I have experienced at a convention over the last five years and we’re excited about it,” said Terry Kremeniuk, executive director of the Canadian Bison Association.
Prices, which have doubled since 2003, increased 17 to 20 percent from last year and are expected to increase 20 percent next year.
Kremeniuk attributed the increase to tight supplies and strong marketing at a time of growing consumer interest in the naturally raised meat.
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He said the Canadian bison population has stabilized and is showing slight growth.
“Exports of live bison into the U.S. are pretty significant. Approximately half of the 50,000 head produced that are available head south to the U.S.”
Kremeniuk said slaughter in Canada has increased slightly and production has gone up by seven percent a year since 2003. Demand for bison products, however, has increased more rapidly.
“That means that at some point in time there’s going to be a shortage of supply and at this point in time marketers are talking about a very tight balance in terms of demand and supply,” Kremeniuk said.
