The Great Plains Bison

The Arkof TasteCanada

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• Came to North America 10,000 years ago

Adapted to warming climate and flourished amongst the plains

• Provided food, shelter, tools and fuel to the aboriginals

Hunted to near extinction by European settlers

History

By the Numbers• Former numbers estimated at 60 million in 1800

• Numbers reduced to less than 1000 by 1899

• Now over 500,000 across North America

• Over 250,000 in Canada

Extinction Averted• Complete loss prevented by ranchers

Conservationists in Canada and the United States

• Population gradually stabilized

• 1980s farmers began selling to outside markets

1990s farmers and ranchers discovered that the public had an appetite for bison

• Population increased significantly

The Ark• No longer endangered

Original animal and taste profile is hard to find

• Genetic integrity has been compromised

• Inbreeding has led to leg problems

• Some bred with cattle to produce a Cattalo

Restoration• Maintain the genetic purity of the animal

Grass fed and grass finished with access to native grasses

• Traceability ie: short production line

Key Figures• Mary Jernigan (Canadian Ark Coordinater)

Jerry and Sam Kitt, Goodfare, Alberta

• First Nature Farms

• The farmers!

Blanbrook Bison Farm

• Bruce and Shirley Mills

AndrewMcLean Gastronomy II