Bison Animals: Breed Profile

Bison are native to North America.

Purpose

They are raised for meat.

Where the breed stands today

The animal is raised commercially.

What to look for in a Bison project animal

Look for a sound body. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Bison at 4-H and FFA

Classes, if any, vary widely, so check with the show office. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

• Lean meat
• Heritage
• Hardy
• Unusual species attract visitors and give students a chance to educate the public.
• A story-rich project makes a standout record book.

Cons

• Dangerous
• Fencing
• Few classes
• Many fairs have no classes for the species, and rules for keeping it vary by state.
• Specialized handling and fencing are often required.

Caring for your project

Plan for specialized fencing, handling and veterinary care. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Bison. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

• What permits or rules apply to keeping this species?
• How old is the animal, and how has it been handled?
• What are the health and veterinary requirements?
• Does my show allow the species, and in which class?
• Who can help with specialized care?

Bottom line

Bison are a native meat animal.

To see how the contests work, read How Showmanship Is Judged. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Texas Cattle Ranches, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.