Learn about how bison naturally benefit the land.
A collection of research articles and videos on the sustainable practices surrounding bison production.
Bison and sustainability go hand-in-hand in Saskatchewan. These animals are quite literally made for Saskatchewan’s wild weather and variable conditions.
During the spring, summer, and early fall, Bison give back to their environment through grazing. They spread manure which acts as a fertilizer, and their movement tramples it and other decaying plant matter into the ground which speeds up the process and leads to lush pastures. This provides loads of nutrients to native plants, which invites other native flora and fauna to hang around!
Photo Courtesy of Bison Ridge Farms
During the cold months, bison don’t seem to fret much. Their shaggy fur not only looks stylish but it helps to insulate them even in brutal winds. To top it off, their metabolism drops, meaning they don’t need to eat as much as many non-native animals. This means they can be pasture-fed much more than traditional cattle, and many only need supplement foods during droughts or extremely harsh winters.
One of the great things about bison is that their ability to thrive on natural pasture means they’re much easier to feed. Although many producers supplement feed to help their herds maintain optimal health, it’s only a fraction of what many other farming practices require! Not only is less large equipment in the fields producing feed, but many farmers are also actually turning mono-crop fields back into grassy pastures because it’s economically feasible with bison!
To top it off, this return to grass, allowing native flora and fauna to return, improving soil quality, all while producing a sustainable source of income for Saskatchewan families!
Sources: Canadian Bison Association, A Natural Choice
It wasn’t so long ago that bison had nearly disappeared. Thanks to the efforts of passionate conservationists and knowledgeable ranchers, bison now roam in the hundreds of thousands once again. However, we’re still learning, and ensuring that this icon of the prairies continues to thrive is an ongoing effort. Read more about some of the stories and studies around North American Bison.
https://saskbison.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SBA-favicon-1.png
300
300
admin
https://saskbison.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SBA-full-logo-transparent-300x125.png
admin2020-12-23 19:47:492021-09-07 09:43:54World’s first IVF Bison Calves Western College of Veterinary MedicineLearn about the history and conservation efforts surrounding bison in Saskatchewan.
