Annual Sale results

National Bison Association Annual Sale results mirror strong demand for bison meat

The National Bison Association's Gold Trophy Show and Sale where the nation's top breeding animals are shown and then auctioned off drew to a conclusion Jan. 24 when 107 animals were sold at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo. In addition to the live animals, meat was sold from 18 market class animals.

The grand champion male, a two-year-old bull exhibited by Noland Miller, Silver Creek Bison, Binscarth, Manitoba, Canada, sold for $5,750. The grand champion female, a two-year-old bred heifer exhibited by Michael and Kathleen Gear, Red Canyon Ranch, Thermopolis, Wyo., sold for $2,900. Overall prices were higher for two-year-old bulls, yearling bulls, futurity bulls, and three to four year-old bred cows, but lower in the heifer and calf categories.

While the price of live animals was steady to lower, bidding on market animals was brisk, with final prices at record levels, a reflection says the NBA, of strong demand for bison meat throughout the country.

"Sale results for breeding animals are understandable given the jitters being felt by many about the overall economy," said Dave Carter, NBA executive director. "The other thing we have going here is that the pendulum has swung from the industry seeking out and paying high prices for breeding animals to a more meat demand-based market."

Carter adds that he expects demand (and prices) for breeding animals will strengthen as the economy improves. "Projections tell us the meat demand will continue to expand, which will also positively impact the prices of breeding animals," he said. 

According to NBA data, overall, sales of bison throughout the nation have been steady in 2008 and at the beginning of 2009, despite the nation's economic downturn.

"The strong market sales are reflective of the strong demand for meat nationwide," said Carter. "Heifer carcasses sold especially well due to this particular group's excellent tenderness scores. People were really anxious to get quality meat."

Another important component of the strong market animal sale was the participation of consumer groups, particularly a local Slow Food Chapter. The members made the decision in advance to share in the purchase and meat of a designated number of GTSS market animals.

"Our goal was to get a carcass from a Colorado ranch, to get a fair price to the rancher and to get animals with higher scores," said Andy Nowak, representing the Slow Food buyers. "We achieved all our goals this year even though we paid more this year than last year. We were surprised that the prices were more this year even thought the economy is in the dumps. We learned that bison is still highly valued for its healthy status and great taste.