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About Bison
The Basics
Scientifically known as Bison bison, the American Bison is the largest land mammal in North America. While they are often colloquially called 'buffalo,' these majestic herbivores are a distinct species uniquely adapted to the Great Plains. Built for endurance and survival, they are a true icon of our national heritage.
Fast Facts at a Glance:
- Size & Scale: Mature bulls can stand over six feet tall and weigh well over 2,000 pounds, while cows average five feet in height and 1,000 pounds.
- Surprising Agility: Despite their massive size, bison are incredibly athletic—capable of running at speeds up to 35 mph, jumping six feet vertically, and swimming across wide rivers.
- Longevity: Bison are long-lived animals, typically reaching 20 years of age, with some individuals in well-managed herds living past 30.
- Social Structure: Bison are deeply social herd animals. Cows lead the primary family groups to protect the calves, while bulls often roam in smaller bachelor groups before reuniting with the main herd during the summer rut.
- Permanent Features: Both males and females grow permanent, hollow horns that never stop growing throughout their lives.
Understanding these fundamental traits is the first step in appreciating why the bison is such a vital part of the Wyoming landscape and why we are so committed to their care at JG Bison.
A Quality Product
Healthy Never Tasted So Good
Bison is nature’s original 'superfood.' Because our herd is raised on the native grasses of the Wyoming range, the meat is a nutritional powerhouse—naturally leaner than beef, chicken, or even some species of fish.
The Nutritional Profile:
- High Protein, Low Fat: Bison offers more protein per gram than beef with significantly less fat and fewer calories.
- Iron & Vitamin B12: It is an exceptional source of heme iron and Vitamin B12, which are essential for energy and healthy blood function.
- Heart-Healthy: With lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and a healthy ratio of Omega-3 fatty acids, bison is a heart-healthy red meat choice.
Sustainability You Can Taste The high nutritional value of JG Bison is a direct result of our management. By allowing our animals to live as they were intended—roaming and grazing on diverse forage—we produce a product that is free from growth hormones and unnecessary antibiotics. Choosing bison isn't just a win for your health; it is an investment in the restoration of the American Bison and the health of our grasslands.
Cooking Bison Meat
Bison is a premium, lean protein that serves as a healthy and flavorful substitute in any beef recipe. However, because bison meat is naturally low in fat, it lacks the insulating marble of beef and cooks significantly faster. To ensure your JG Bison steaks and burgers remain tender and juicy, follow our golden rule: Low and Slow.
The Secret to Success:
- Mind the Heat: Reduce your heat or grill temperature slightly compared to beef.
- Target Temperature: Bison is best enjoyed Rare to Medium-Rare. We recommend an internal temperature of 135°F–145°F.
- The Rest is Key: Always allow your meat to rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite every time.
If you’ve ever found bison to be 'tough,' it was likely overcooked. When prepared with a little extra attention, bison is remarkably tender, savory, and far more flavorful than traditional beef.
The Community
Bison Associations
The American Bison industry is built on a foundation of collaboration rather than competition. At JG Bison, we believe that 'a rising tide lifts all boats.' We are proud to be active leaders in the tight-knit community of ranchers, researchers, and conservationists dedicated to the restoration of this iconic species.
Industry Leadership We don't just participate in the bison community; we help shape its future. Through our leadership roles in the National Bison Association and Rocky Mountain Bison Association, we work year-round to advocate for sound management practices, animal welfare, and rangeland health. These organizations are vital for sharing the latest research and ensuring the integrity of the bison as North America’s premier sustainable protein.
A Culture of Cooperation From the floor of the National Western Stock Show to the annual fall roundups across the region, bison producers operate with a unique 'neighbor-first' mentality. Whether we are sharing low-stress handling techniques or assisting with herd health checks, we are honored to work alongside the men and women who share our passion for the animal.
The JG Bison Commitment By staying deeply connected to this national network, we ensure that our practices at JG Bison remain at the gold standard of the industry. When you support our ranch, you are supporting a broader movement to return the bison to its rightful place on the American landscape.
Rocky Mountain Bison Association Fall Tour 2019
Bison Ranching
The Bison Advantage
Raising bison is fundamentally different from traditional cattle ranching. While they require specialized infrastructure—including taller, high-tensile fencing and reinforced handling facilities—the trade-off is what we call The Bison Advantage. Unlike domesticated livestock, bison have spent thousands of years adapting to the extremes of the North American continent. This translates into a resilient, low-input operation that works with nature rather than against it.
Resilience by Design
- Climate Hardiness: Our herd is built for the Wyoming climate. From sub-zero winter winds to the dry heat of mid-summer, bison thrive where other livestock struggle. In the winter, they are even known to consume snow as a primary water source, allowing them to remain on the range longer.
- Natural Immunity: Bison possess a rugged immune system and are naturally resistant to many diseases that typically plague commercial cattle.
- Ecological Efficiency: Bison utilize a much wider variety of native forages. Their grazing patterns are naturally nomadic, which prevents over-grazing and promotes the health of the entire rangeland.
Long-Term Productivity Bison offer a longer productive lifespan than most livestock, with cows often remaining fertile and healthy well into their twenties. By prioritizing a 'bison-first' management style, we are able to produce a superior product with a smaller environmental footprint. At JG Bison, we don't just raise animals; we manage a legacy of resilience.
Read more about The Bison Advantage.
