Bison Demand Outstripping Supply

Demand for bison meat, lean and hormone free, is skyrocketing and while the bison industry has grown, it can't keep up with demand.

"People have taken their first taste of bison and said, 'Where can I find some more?."

Dave Carter, Executive Director of the National Bison Association says there are a number of reasons for the growing popularity.

"It fits in with folks who have concerns about diet and health. It's definitely a natural meat. Its illegal to use growth hormones in bison. We don't use antibiotics and then there's the fact that it tastes great."

Prices have nearly doubled at the grocery story recently.

And what makes the meat popular is also, in part, to blame for why production can't be stimulated by, for example, using artificial insemination. Buffalo rancher, Rob Ferguson explains, "The animals have limitations in terms of breeding. They have to breed naturally which is great. I love that. One bull, ten to fifteen cows, and you just have to let nature take its course."

Letting nature take its course is generally the rule in all aspects of buffalo ranching.

Dave Carter says the industry is now working hard to attract more producers.