Demand For Local Bison Meat on the Rise

MILNOR, ND (WDAY TV)-Our deep snow that blankets the prairie right now is perfect for at least one beast in our region - the bison.

After some rough years in the marketplace, bison producers are bouncing back as consumers nationwide clamor for the tasty meat.

Just off the highway in Milnor, North Dakota, Dick Ruby's herd is relishing the cold and snow. This is their element.

“They are survivors, they have their winter coats on all the time,” smiled Ruby.

Dick started his Bison ranch with three little heifers back in 1993. Today, he has about 300 head of bison, down from 1,800 a few years ago. In a year and a half they will be ready for slaughter.

This is a good time to be in bison production. Those in the business are getting great prices for their product, and it's because of what his happening nationwide.

“Price has been pushing up the last year. Demand is there, supply is not,” said Ruby.

But things have not been rosy all the time for bison producers. A few years ago the bottom fell out and a lot of producers got rid of their bison. Things are better now, and they are building up their herds again, but it is taking time.

“If you keep a heifer calf, it is five years before she has a calf and her offspring is big enough to go to market, so it will not happen quick,” said Ruby.

The North American Bison Co-op processes bison meat in North Fargo, and they've been busy trying to meet that stepped up consumer demand across the country for the lean meat.

In some Twin Cities stores, bison meat is going for $7 or $8 a pound.

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