Bison A Great Story Of American Agriculture

The bison industry is a unique part of the world of agriculture.  The American Bison, whose population once exceeded 30 million animals, was decimated to near extension in the late 19th century.  However, the bison now numbers over 400,000 head across North America.  And according to Jim Matheson, Executive Director of the National Bison Association, this tremendous comeback is thanks to a unique collaboration.

“We work very closely with tribal entities, who are also restoring bison to their tribal lands for commercial and cultural reasons, as well as conservationists.  We work with public agencies, public herd managers, conservation groups, and we’re all collectively restoring the species back to its native landscape here in North America.”

Bison were never domesticated, which allows bison to remain “Regenerative by Nature”.  That prevents bison from putting on much fat, meaning they are a very lean and nutrient dense protein.

“The result is you’ve got a meat that does not marble very much, and as such, is a very lean protein.  And if you look at the USDA’s nutrient data library, bison really does come out on top in terms of things like iron and B12, the good stuff, and among the lowest in fat and cholesterol.”

Click Here to learn more about the National Bison Association.

By the way, in case you missed it, July was National Bison month. 

Our entire conversation with Matheson is available right here:

Pacific Northwest Ag Network: Matheson Talks About National Bison Month.mp3 on Apple Podcasts

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com