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One of the coolest reasons to buy buffalo? Its a truly North American food, raised in several states and Canada. And if youre still not convinced it tastes great. A buffalo burger with sliced tomato, avocado and lettuce is a burger you can feel good about eating. Buffalo is a food that deserves its Health Halo. Nutrition Radio, January 2011
Bison caught on, and even in the economic slump, prices havent discouraged consumers. USA Today, December 2010
Tasty, rich and leaner than beef, bison is appearing on restaurant menus around the country, and is also available in many large supermarkets. Eating Well Magazine, April 2009 (Bison is) Meat thats better for you, better for the environment, and still great tasting. Chef Bruce Aidells, Bon Appetit magazine, February 2008
Health-conscious consumers like bison because its lean and rich in nutrients. Environmentalists view bison roaming on the prairies as a more sustainable food. Chefs, too, have come to appreciate bison meats qualities. Sunset magazine, February 2008
Weve learned from the many cycles in the buffalo industry over the past 40 years. This surge in demand, and optimism is the best ever, and indicates a strong future for producers and marketers alike. Bud Flocchini, Durham Ranch, (A bison producer/marketer since 1965)
Check out these resources on todays bison business: National Bison Association: www.bisoncentral.com
USDA monthly wholesale bison price report www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/nw_ls526.txt USDA NASS weekly processing report www.nass.usda.gov/QuickStats/create_Federal_All.jsp
1.11
Bison is in Demand
increase in USDA processing 2000 - 2010
303%
alone. Today, bison can be found across the country on the menu of white tablecloth restaurants, in adult casual establishments, and in an increasing number of retail outlets. Prospects for continued growth appear bright. After all, bison meat is positioned at the convergence of major long-term trends among todays qualityconscious consumer. New York Times Food Editor Marian Burros recently summarized bisons position with the American consumer What is the strength of the industry? Two words: when she wrote, Today buffalo, shunned no ConSUmer demand. longer, has achieved an enviable position; simultaneous praise A decade ago, growth in production from chefs, nutritionists and environprimarily fueled the price increases for mentalists. At last, steak without guilt. live animals. Today, the American conNew processing facilities, distribusumer is fueling that demand. tors, and marketing programs have Bison consumptionmeasured in emerged over the past decade to supply a terms of animals marketed through national marketplace. Now we need proUSDA inspected facilitieshas increased ducers to keep pace with demand. by more than 50% in the past five years TTheres a rumble in the countryside today...the sound of the American bison industry surging to new levels of strength and profitability. Bison today represents one of the true bright spots in agriculture. Even as the general economy experienced a sharp downturn, consumer demand for bisonand the prices paid to producershit historic highs. In fact, the bison business has made a strong rebound over the past decade.
www.bisoncentral.com
Source: USDA Market News Reporting Service / All Prices Hot Weight. More information on bison: www.nationalbison.com
Its Not Just Prime Cuts... There is a Marketplace for the Whole Animal.
Take a look at this sample break-even. Bison works in todays agricultural economy!
Total Herd $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,075.20 3,150.00 1,084.20 5,309.40 1,240.80 1,500.00 199.80 600.00 1,420.20 876.00 499.80 11,646.00 732.60 12,378.60
35%
$332.43/CWT.
increase in wholesale bison meat value 2008 - 2010 USDA PRIME BISON BULL CARCASS PRICE
$241.11/CWT.
Breakeven selling price/head $/head Operating Costs $229.23 Operating & Fixed Costs $478.78 Operating, Labor & Fixed Cost $523.22 Breakeven Price/head = Cost % calf crop
$203.27/CWT.
*Sample break-even for illustration only. Actual figures will vary based upon region and producers.
Dec. 05
Dec. 08
Dec.10