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2010 Poised to be 'Year of the Buffalo' According to National Bison Association
12/23/2009
Westminster, CO (December 23, 2009) – Forget the Chinese Calendar, 2010 is shaping up as the Year of the Buffalo as continued strong consumer demand for bison meat fuels a search for more bison production, according to the National Bison Association.
“American consumers are playing a key role in restoring the buffalo herds that once roamed across North America because their strong demand for delicious, healthy bison meat is encouraging ranchers to increase their herds,” said Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association.
The National Bison Association is embarking on a campaign to entice new producers to get into the business, and to encourage existing ranchers to increase their herds. The prices ranchers are receiving for bison have remained near historic highs throughout 2009, and the demand for bison meat has continued grow this year, despite the general economic downturn.
“The continuing consumer demand in the midst of a recession affirms that once people taste bison they are likely to make it a part of their diet. They know that the great taste, low fat and high protein characteristics make this all-natural meat a great value,” Carter said.
Among the association’s efforts to increase bison production is the release in late December of an all-new Bison Producers’ Handbook. This 280-page handbook contains material written by more than 30 experienced bison ranchers, processors and marketers, and is designed as a resource for new producers and veterans alike. The handbook is available for $40 from the National Bison Association website at www.bisoncentral.com. Discounts are available for members of the association, and new members receive a free copy.
In 2010, the National Bison Association will also be conducting a series of workshops across the country to assist small-scale bison producers in utilizing farmers’ markets as a successful sales outlet. Those workshops are being funded through a grant from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
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