Bison Farming in Alberta
A few years ago a good friend Dan Young invited our family to visit his bison farm west of Edmonton. It was a fascinating trip to visit the operation and to drive out to see his herd. What fascinating animals these are. Bison ranches have been growing in Alberta since the 1980's, and Alberta now has the largest number of bison being raised, with half of all animals in Canada and close to half of all farms in the country.
These animals once numbering in the millions roamed the plains from Canada to Mexico. However hunting for meat, hides, and trophies reduced their numbers to near extinction. Conservationists and governments rebuilt the herds over several decades and increased numbers which seeded the farming stock.
Bison adapt well to our severe winters and can convert forage into energy better than cattle. Dan used his cattle as stock for a retail operation selling Bison meat in Edmonton. He supplemened their forage with grain before taking them to market.
