The Manitoba Advantage in Bison Protein

Bison producers in Manitoba are known for their sustainable production practices, high-quality genetics, and breeding stock. The province has significant crop and forage grazing acres to support growth in the bison industry. Since the initial bison census in 1996, the bison population in Manitoba has surged by 154 percent. The bison industry has thrived thanks to robust pricing and a strong demand for its meat. Bison meat, owing to its distinct production methods and quality, occupies a specialized market niche.

 

Manitoba’s Bison Industry

• Manitoba is home to the third-largest local bison herd, with 82 bison farms raising 11,725 bison, as of 2021.
• The average herd size per farm in Manitoba is 143 bison.
• Bison are also sold at private auction markets. New on-farm video technology has made it more efficient for producers to hold public auctions.
• In 2021, Manitoba exported 3,053 head of bison, generating $10 million in revenue.
• Bison producers market their calves to finisher operations in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Learn more about bison production in Manitoba here.

Industry Associations

• Manitoba Bison Association
• Canadian Bison Association

Market and Consumer Trends

Canadian marketers exported fresh and frozen bison meat to nine countries in 2020. The United States, Switzerland, and the Netherlands are the largest export markets. Manitoba primarily exports live bison to the United States, resulting in $13.8 million in exports in 2022, representing 14 percent of Canada's overall bison exports.

The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement can support the growth of Manitoba’s bison industry as it allows for 3,000 tonnes of Canadian bison to be exported to the European Union tariff-free.