About Bison

Bison History

The great American bison is a truly magnificent animal. It is the largest land mammal in North America since the end of the Ice Age.

Estimates of the pre-1600 herd size vary from 30,000,000 to 70,000,000 animals and they ranged over most of North America.

Unregulated killing of bison led to the many millions of animals being reduced to no more than 1,500 individuals in the mid to late 1800s.

Legal protection of the bison in Yellowstone Park, the establishment of preserves like the National Bison Refuge in Montana, and effort of individual ranchers have helped restore the bison population to more than 350,000 animals. Current estimates place the size of the U.S. herd at 270,000 animals, raised mostly on private farms and ranches.

Today’s Bison Industry

The bison industry is growing rapidly today, spurred by increased consumer demand for the deliciously healthy meat products.

Today's commercial bison business began in the late 1960's, but didn't gain significant momentum until the late 1980's, when many new producers began to enter the business. During this time, some of the leading chefs across the country began to discover the wonderful flavor that bison meat added to their recipes and retailers expanded offerings with more cuts and convenient value-added products.

Bison consumption doubled between 2000 and 2004, and continues to grow as it gains popularity. Several factors are contributing to this increased demand:

	Consumers are discovering the direct connection between diet and health, and are actively seeking flavorful, healthy meats produced without the use of growth hormones or low-levels of antibiotics
	Once popular high-protein/low-carbohydrate diets sparked consumer interest in new types of red meat, and while the diets have lost momentum, interest in trying healthy new meats has not
	More restaurants are adding a variety of recipes featuring all types of bison cuts...everything from brisket to short ribs
	Industry promotion and word of mouth is spreading the word that buffalo is delicious and healthy

Content adapted from National Bison Association.