Animal welfare is the underlying theme of Canada’s livestock codes of practice, and the recent bison update is no exception. It is a must read for bison producers and those contemplating getting into the business, but cattle producers would also benefit from reading it. The committee that developed the code comprised individuals involved in the […] Read more
Tag Archives Bison
Getting into bison farming made easier thanks to mentors
Mentorship can be the difference between success and failure for young people who want to enter the ag industry
BIG SKY, Mont. — The topic comes up at most farm meetings: how can more young people be encouraged to enter the industry? For two younger producers at the International Bison Conference, mentorship was key. Southern Alberta bison producer Cody Spencer found his way into the business four years ago through Rick Mackenzie, a rancher […] Read more
VIDEO: Display offers inside scoop on the workings of a bison
BOZEMAN, Mont. — A rare chance to see both the outside and the inside of a bison was offered to those who attended the International Bison Conference July 4-7. Dr. Don Woerner, a veterinarian from Billings, Montana, owns Ernie, a bison mounted so that it has its own hide and usual appearance on one side […] Read more
Dwindling protein levels in forage could prove costly
BIG SKY, Mont. — Climate change could lead to diminishing protein in feed for livestock, says an American ecologist who studies animal diets and grasslands. In fact, he said the protein content in grass and forage has already dropped and the slow decline has escaped major attention. Joseph Craine, co-founder of Jonah Ventures and former […] Read more
One million bison a lofty goal?
BIG SKY, Mont. — Two hundred years ago, the North American bison herd was 30 million animals strong. Today, the goal is to increase numbers to one million from the current 392,000 animals in the United States and Canada. It’s called Bison One Million, a plan officially announced during the International Bison Conference July 4-7. […] Read more
Bison Hump Day declared in U.S.
BIG SKY, Mont. — There’s meatless Monday and taco Tuesday, and now Wednesday has its own promotion. Bison Hump Day was announced here today during the International Bison Conference in front of more than 575 bison producers. Dave Carter, executive director for the National Bison Association, said the declaration is a way to further promote […] Read more
Bison handling code seeks public comment
The draft code of practice for the care and handling of bison has been released for public comment and will be open for input until Jan. 19. Notice of the comment period was announced today by the Canadian Bison Association and the National Farm Animal Care Council. “The code development committee has worked hard since […] Read more
Ground meat demand keeps bison prices strong
GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. — Prices for Canadian bison remain strong, in part because there are fewer animals available than in past years. The Canadian dollar value relative to the American greenback doesn’t hurt either, bison producers were told Oct. 22 at the Peace Region conference here. Bison Producers of Alberta president Roger Van Haren said […] Read more
Grass versus grain finishing debated for bison
Although bison that are grass fed produce meat that is higher in vitamins, the short growing season poses a challenge
CHASE, B.C. — Feeding bison can be a complicated business, a recent bison field tour near Chase, B.C., was told. John Church, B.C. Innovation Chair in Cattle Industry Sustainability at Thompson Rivers University, said it can be challenging to deliver a consistent market weight animal with the nutritional attributes that consumers want. “In my mind, […] Read more
Bison market returns to glory days
Bison prices are reminiscent of the sky-high prices of the 1990s, but without the speculation. “We’re back in the day when bison were fetching big prices for breeding stock,” said Ivan Smith, who farms near Penhold, Alta. “But this is a true meat market.” Smith believes bison prices will remain high for several years be-cause […] Read more
