Sustainable farming is becoming more and more important as we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve the planet for future generations. In this post, we will explore 4 reasons why bison are a great tool for sustainable farming.

1. Bison are Sustainable Grazers

Bison are ruminants that graze on native grasses, which means they are able to thrive on a diet that is naturally available in their environment. Bison can be raised on land that is unsuitable for other forms of agriculture, reducing the need for clearing forests or converting natural habitats into farmland. Soil health benefits from bisons natural grazing patterns by building up organic matter, improving soil structure and sequestering carbon into the soil. Bison hooves also help to break up compacted soil, which can improve water infiltration and reduce erosion. This means that bison grazing can help to improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and herbicides.

2. Ethical Protein Source

One of the reasons why bison meat is considered ethical is because bison are low maintenance animals. Unlike other livestock, bison require little to no supplemental feed or antibiotics, which means they can live in a way that is similar to how they would have lived thousands of years ago. This natural way of life is part of what makes bison meat a healthier and more ethical protein source. By allowing bison to graze and live as they would in the wild, we are not only providing them with a more natural habitat, but we are also producing a more sustainable and ethical protein source for ourselves.

3. Hardy and Low Maintenance

Bison are hardy animals that are well-adapted to the cold and harsh environments of Northern Alberta. They require little to no supplemental feed or antibiotics, which makes them a low-maintenance option for farmers. True sustainablity requires a farm to be sustainable on all fronts, including economical. Farming is notourious for having very slim margins, with some years concluding in zero profit. Bison allow farmers to save money on feed and veterinary costs, which can make farming economically viable, allowing for multi generational farms.

4. Important Part of Ecosystems

Bison are a keystone species (a species that has a high impact on an ecosystem and its removal can cause critical damage to the ecosystem) Bison play a significant role in improving biodiversity by promoting soil biodiversity through their grazing patterns, which help to stimulate nutrient cycling and increase soil fertility. As large grazers, bison also help to create diverse habitats for other animals, which in turn can improve the overall health of an ecosystem. This can be seen in the bird nests surrounding our farm, the birds on our farm use bison hair in their nests, which further demonstrates the important role bison play in promoting biodiversity.

In conclusion, bison are a great tool for sustainable farming because they are sustainable grazers, hardy and low maintenance, an ethical protein source, good for soil health, and an important part of ecosystems. By incorporating bison into sustainable farming practices, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help to preserve the planet for future generations. To support this type of farming visit our Products Page and have some of our bison delivered to your door for free in Edmonton.