Bison Prices, Demand Continuing to Rise

When the USDA started tracking bison prices in June in 2004, carcasses were about $1.40 per pound, Dave Carter, National Bison Association Executive-Director says the most recent report was $4.80 per pound.

That’s why Carter said they’ve been having their most profitable year ever and the people who eat the meat are likely to keep that going.

“As they’ve taken that first bite and discovered the taste, they’re coming back looking for more, which has us scrambling right now because the demand has outstripped our supply.”

Carter said bison is on fire, calling it a growth business.

Why is bison growing when so many other commodities are struggling? Carter has a simple explanation.

“The people have discovered that not only is it a lean, nutritious red meat. Not only is it sustainably raised and it’s illegal to use growth hormones in bison, but they’re also discovering it’s a delicious meat.”

Carter said they are lobbying the USDA to continue to offer new farmer programs, loans and other assistance to grow the industry.