The fencing requirements for bison vary, but are not as demanding as one might think.
Because they can jump up to six feet high, fences are generally higher than those found
in commercial cattle pastures. The key to remember is that a well-fed, content bison will
not roam.
Bison are long lived animals and some farmers have 30-year-old cows delivering healthy
calves. They generally have their first calf at age three. In the wild, cows generally calve
every-other year. However on farms and ranches a healthy cow can deliver a calf every
year. The calves are generally born in the April-June timeframe and like cattle rarely
require human assistance. Bison have a gestation period of 9 ½ months and usually
produce one 50-65 lb calf. One bull will service 10-15 cows.
Did you know bison meat is deliciously healthy and considered the original red meat?
It tastes great and falls into the gourmet or specialty meat category. Research has shown
that bison is a highly nutrient dense food because of the proportion of protein, fat, minerals
and fatty acids to its caloric value.
Bison is a natural product raised without growth hormones or antibiotics and many are only
grass fed like the bison at HarNan Farms. The meat is higher in protein than beef, pork,
poultry and fish, and lower in fat, calories and cholesterol than beef, pork, skinless chicken
or fish. It can be found in several grocery stores, butcher shops and restaurants around
the country and of course can be purchased here at HarNan Farms.
