Buy Bison, Buy Wisconsin

By Ashley Huibregtse, 61st Alice in Dairyland
Thursday, August 21, 2008 7:53 AM CDT

Ashley Huibregtse, 61st Alice in Dairyland

Walking through the aisles of the Wisconsin State Fair Products Pavilion, there is an opportunity to see the diversity of Wisconsin’s $51.5 billion agriculture economic impact. It is incredible to learn about the array of possibilities that Wisconsin fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and sweets provide! Whether it’s a decadent dish, or a product that’s not for consumption like clothing, soaps, and home decorations, it is Wisconsin. When I stopped by the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association, I had the opportunity to learn more about this less common red meat.

Wisconsin is the tenth largest bison producing state in the nation with about 9,000 bison. People are raising bison because there is a growing consumer demand. Bison cows reach a mature weigh of about 2,000 pounds in three years, while bison bulls need to grow for six to seven years in order to reach 1,500 to 2,000 pounds.

There is a difference between the buffalo and the bison. While you can ask for buffalo or bison, bison is the American Buffalo. The Wisconsin Bison Producers Association explains that scientifically, the American Buffalo is called the Bison and the industry encourages people to say bison to clearly separate bison from the Cape Buffalo or the Water Buffalo. Bison belong to the Bovidae mammal family, which is the same as domestic cattle.

There are approximately 230 bison producers throughout the state. When looking to buy local, there are many opportunities with 75 percent of bison producers in the state selling meat directly. According to the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association, the average price for a pound of ground bison is about $4.50. The average price for a pound of ribeye steak is approximately $12.00.

Bison meat is sold in different ways. About half of the bison producers sell meat from their farms, while large quantities of farms also sell directly to restaurants. Farmer’s markets, grocery stores, and meat markets are excellent venues for producers to sell their products and for consumers to find this delicious meat.

In 2003, about 2,000 bison where processed into meat in Wisconsin. Certainly, the bison industry has taken the meat industry by storm with a 38 percent increase in meat sales since 2003. Consumers are looking for a healthy product that is produced locally and tastes great.

Bison is a nutritious meat option. It is very low fat. Bison is very high in iron and very high in protein. There are less calories and fat. With a sweet and rich taste, it is a very flavorful meat. Bison has a natural tenderness and taste, and because of its density, you can eat less to be satisfied.

Meat is not the only important product from bison as they’re become a popular decor. Many skulls, hides and bones are sold for people to keep as decoration. Native Americans took advantage of everything when they hunted a bison, a trend that can continue today.

Nationwide, there are approximately 300,000 bison with 10 percent of those processed in 2003. There are only two states that have more bison than Wisconsin. Bison are hardy animals that surviving difficult weather and conditions. They also will efficiently use feed to grow.

At the fair, I enjoyed a bison burrito, but there are many ways to try bison. Enjoy a steak or cut of ribs for a great meat main course. Bison can also be a part of a pot pie. There can be bison meatballs or meatloaf. The Wisconsin Bison Producers Association offers many options for recipes in their literature.

For great taste, nutrition, and chance to support the Wisconsin economy, you can buy bison or many other great local Wisconsin foods. From Sept. 5n14, I encourage you to take part in the Wisconsin Eat Local Challenge! The Wisconsin Eat Local Challenge is designed to educate our communities about the importance of buying locally grown and raised foods and encourage individuals to spend at least 10 percent of their food budget on Wisconsin local food during the 10-day challenge.

Beyond the Wisconsin State Fair, it is important to buy local foods to keep money circulating in your own community. Most food travels 1,500 miles to go to your plate, and buying local decreases those miles significantly. When supporting your local farmer, you receive Wisconsin food that is healthy, fresh, and with great taste. Visit www.eatlocalwisconsin.com to find out how you can sign-up to participate in the challenge and learn more about buying local.

To learn more about Wisconsin bison production, visit www.wibison.com. There are opportunities to search for bison in your local area and learn more about this great Wisconsin product. On your next trip to the Wisconsin State Fair, visit the Products Pavilion and try a new local product! It is important to Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin! Take the Challenge!

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