Bison ( AKA “Buffalo” or American Buffalo ) can be used to diversify an investment portfolio or can be owned to enjoy their majestic beauty and to help preserve an American heritage. The animal is owned by you and pastured at S. B. Farms, Inc., located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, approximately one and one half hours southeast of Washington D. C. or Baltimore, MD. Starting at age two, the female Bison is bred annually and assuming normal conditions, a calf is born approximately nine months later. The calf is weaned at about six months of age and can be sold at market value or retained for grow-out.

Bison Background

The Bison has existed relatively unchanged for thousands of years and is the largest terrestrial animal in North America today. With the exception of humans, the Bison has no natural enemies yet our ancestors almost sent this majestic animal into extinction during the 1880’s – 1890’s. It is estimated, only about 800 Bison out of the 60 to 70 MILLION that roamed the United States, survived this slaughter. Bison today number close to 500,000.

 Did you know that Bison...

• Sprint at 35  40 miles per hour and can outperform horses.
• Can run for miles and miles without stopping.
• Can jump five feet up in the air from a stand still.
• Females ( cows ) average 1000 to 1200 lbs., males  (bulls ) average 1500 to 2000 lbs. when mature.
• Bulls stand over six feet tall at their hump.
• Even calves, swim very well.
• Have immune systems that make them resilient to many diseases.
• Are very efficient grazers and therefore require less of a lower protein content feed than cattle.
• Produce meat that is high in protein, lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken, fish, or beef, and tastes great.

The Bison is truly a remarkable animal and exists today with all of its WILD instincts.

Investment Options

Bison Heifer ( female ) calf at weaning, Bison Heifer (female) > 1 yr. but < 2 yr. old.
Bison Bull ( male ) calf at weaning, Bison Bull . 1 yr. but < 2 yr. old

            Bison purchased from the S. B. Farms, Inc. herd require no blood testing to participate in the AOP.

Bison Market
 
 The market is comprised of three segments:

1. Meat
   • Bison meat tastes like the best beef you’ve ever eaten, yet is higher in
     protein and lower in fat and cholesterol than beef, chicken, turkey, and
     fish. Bison is a natural product, raised without hormones, growth
     stimulants, or antibiotics. Demand has exceeded supply for this decade
     and is forecasted to continue. In the United States today, ONE day’s beef
     consumption exceeds the current ANNUAL Bison meat supply. Bison
     bulls and below average females are used in the meat market.
2. Breeding Stock
   • Heifer ( females ) calves and cows ( females ) that are
     considered average or above, as related to body conformation, are
     currently sold for breeding stock. From 2000 to 2010, this market had
     been expanding in numbers and price at an annual rate of 3-5%. Bison
     herd bulls are replaced every  three to five years by many producers so
     that inbreeding problems do not develop. Therefore, a breeding (herd)  
      bull market exists, but only for the best animals.         
3. By Products
   • Bison by products include: bleached skulls, mounted heads,
     finished ( hair on ) robes, leather, horns, bones for painting or carving
     into jewelry. A very good market exists within the arts & crafts world and
     in the Native American & Western décor channels.

Estimated Return on Investment:

Print this information