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Prices up at Gold Trophy Bison Auction at stock show
The higher prices being paid by ranchers bidding on breeding animals at the National Bison Association's Gold Trophy Sale at the National Western Stock Show on Saturday indicate that producers are building herds in response to growing consumer demand for bison meat. Yearling bulls led the price increase, with ranchers paying an average of 64 percent more than at the 2009 Gold Trophy Sale for the same class. Heifer calves sold for an average 17 percent more than in 2009, and mature cows sold for an average of seven percent higher than the previous year. "While the buyers included many existing ranchers who are building their herds, we also had some new buyers who are just getting started in the bison business," said Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association. Consumer demand for bison meat has more than doubled since 2005, and the prices ranchers received from marketers for quality meat animals remained at all-time highs throughout 2009. "Despite a serious recession in the general economy, our customers continued to buy bison meat because they recognize that the taste and nutritional qualities of buffalo make it a real value," Carter said. "That's sending a positive signal to ranchers that will result in growth in the U.S. bison population." The National Bison Association hosts the Gold Trophy Show and Sale each January during the National Western Stock Show. The animals sold at the Gold Trophy Sale will be used to build herds throughout the United States and Canada.
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