Sales of bison meat have grown by 22.3% over the past two years to $340 million annually, reports the National Bison Association.

"The bison market is enjoying strong stability and profitability, with growth projected to continue as long as we can expand herds across the country," says Dave Carter, NBA Association executive director.

The industry association is urging producers to build their herds.

South Dakota and North Dakota are the leading bison producing states in the U.S.

NBA’s last survey of commercial marketers found that 94% of those businesses could easily expand sales if additional product was available, with nearly half of the marketers projecting that they could sell at least 15% more bison meat at current prices. Every marketer responding to the association's survey reported heavy demand for bison trim (used to make burgers), and 69 percent reported that orders for pet food ingredients is exceeding their available supply.

"The growing popularity of bison meat is providing a strong, stable foundation for our business," Carter says. "Bison today is perhaps the strongest growth area in American agriculture.”

NBA has developed new educational materials, and has been conducting a series of free workshops across the country to encourage new entrants into the bison ranching and marketing business. One of those workshops will be held Aug. 15 in Jamestown, N.D.

The workshop will include sessions of bison management, a bison "toolkit" containing bison production and educational materials, a tour of the host ranch. Times and locations have not yet been announced. Check for updates here at www.bisoncentral.com.

You can register by emailing [email protected] or calling 303-292-2833. Register at least one week prior to the event