Rancher uses old approach to raising bison
At Rosedale Bison, the herd is raised to mimic how bison lived for thousands of years before humans intervened.
Les Kroeger is the president of the Saskatchewan Bison Association and advocates for low-stress handling and animal welfare. His 150-strong herd of North American Plains Bison is kept on a strict diet of native prairie grasses at a ranch north of Hanley.
“This animal has adapted to convert grasses and forages — poorer quality most of the time — into a very high-quality protein.”
Bison meat has a higher protein content than all other meats and is low in fat and cholesterol, he said.
Bison don’t require shelter in the winter and thrive when handled as little as possible. They can become stressed easily.
“They’re indigenous to this part of the world … and have adapted quite well.”
Kroeger said bison are “amazing to watch” — he’s spent many a summer day admiring his herd.
“They look clumsy. But they can be running full speed and turn on a dime with no effort. It’s because of the mass in the front end; they can spin their back end around so fast.”
Kroeger, his wife Kathy Grad and his dad began the operation in 1989 at a time when the bison market was not yet developed.
“We went through some pretty tough times,” he recalled.
“It’s just within the last five to 10 years that we’ve figured out a way to make a living at this. Right now, we’ve got markets developed that surpass our ability to supply.”
Kroeger keeps a small herd for research with the University of Saskatchewan on reproduction techniques, such as artificial insemination, to help bison conservation efforts.
Since bison were almost completely wiped out in the 19th century, their gene pool is small. There are several diseased wild herds in North America. The research will lead to the ability to introduce healthy genetics into those herds.
The bison story dates back to the Ice Age, when herds dominated North America. They successfully adapted to a warming climate and over thousands of years provided food, shelter, tools and fuel for Indigenous people. These herds also played an integral role in the regenerative cycle that maintained grassland and soil health.
In 1800, it’s estimated more than 60 million animals roamed
We are probably the biggest success story in conservation that’s ever been seen in North America.
from as far south as Mexico to as far north as Alaska. After European settlers arrived, a combination of over-hunting and disease spelled disaster for the bison. By 1899, there was less than 1,000 animals left.
Today, thanks to vigorous conservation efforts, there are about 225,000 bison in Canada and 250,000 in the United States. The wild herds, which number roughly 8,000 animals, live in parks and public lands.
“We are probably the biggest success story in conservation that’s ever been seen in North America,” Kroeger said.
Rosedale Bison products are available at Saskmade Marketplace in Saskatoon. Slaughtering is done at the ranch to minimize stress for the animals. Kroeger also does ranch-gate sales.
Jenn Sharp is a freelance writer in Saskatoon. Her first book, Flat Out Delicious: Food Artisans of Saskatchewan, will be released in spring 2020. Follow her on Twitter @Jennksharp and on Instagram @flatoutfoodsk.