The Future of Canadian Bison: Built on Producers, Driven by Markets

Nearly 30 years in the industry. Over 50 producers. Weekly harvest. Global reach.

That’s not just a snapshot, it’s a model for where the Canadian bison industry is heading.

At Rangeland Bison, the focus is simple: build a stronger, more stable future for producers by connecting them to reliable markets, fair pricing, and long-term growth.

Built With Producers, Not From an Office Tower

Rangeland wasn’t created in a boardroom, it was built alongside producers.

With nearly three decades of experience buying bison across Western Canada, the company has grown into a network of over 50 producers, all rooted in Alberta and united by a shared goal: producing premium Canadian bison.

The mission is clear:
 Support Canadian producers while leading the market for premium bison products.

Why Alberta Matters

Alberta is the backbone of the Canadian bison industry.

It holds the largest concentration of the national herd and is home to deep producer expertise. What happens here doesn’t just impact local operations, it shapes the entire Canadian market.

If Alberta is strong, Canadian bison is strong.

Building Stability Through Strong Markets

One of the biggest challenges producers face is uncertainty. Rangeland addresses this by building consistent, diversified demand.

Retail Anchors: Costco

  • ~5,500 head annually tied to Costco programs
  • Reliable demand for grind in Canada and the U.S.
  • Long-term retail visibility and stability

Translation: When you sell to Rangeland, your product has a home.

Premium Positioning: Whole Foods Market

  • Certified Humane supply programs
  • Premium pricing and margins
  • Access to health-conscious, high-end consumers

Global Reach: Europe

Markets across Germany, France, Switzerland, and more provide:

  • Demand for high-end primals
  • Multi-currency exposure
  • Increased market security

More markets = more stability for producers.

A Fully Integrated Advantage

Through its partnership with Prairie Farm Foods, Rangeland has built a vertically integrated system, from ranch to retail.

This includes:

  • Ethical processing and strong labor standards
  • Value-added processing expansion
  • End-to-end supply chain control

The result?
 Better quality, stronger margins, and more growth opportunities.

The Rangeland Advantage for Producers

What does this mean on the ground?

Faster Payments & Fair Pricing

  • Quick, reliable payments
  • Transparent pricing
  • No unnecessary delays

Simplicity & Access

  • Easy delivery at Wetaskiwin
  • Harvest bookings up to 18 months in advance
  • Limited, high-value harvest slots

Industry Leadership

  • Strong supply chain from ranch to customer
  • Focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing
  • Growing demand pipeline

Industry Reality: Tight Supply, Growing Opportunity

The bison industry is changing rapidly:

  • Rising input costs
  • Shrinking producer base
  • Growing demand

At the same time:

  • Canadian live exports are declining sharply
  • U.S. harvest numbers are dropping
  • Canadian harvest is increasing to fill the gap

Bottom line: Supply is tightening and producers positioned correctly will benefit.

Positioning for What’s Next

Rangeland is already planning ahead:

  • Continued harvest growth (with strategic adjustments)
  • Expanding global markets
  • Strengthening long-term retail partnerships

The focus isn’t just volume, it’s profitability.

Volume means nothing without margin.

Unlocking Value From the Whole Animal

One of the biggest opportunities in bison today is maximizing value beyond traditional cuts.

Rangeland’s Whole Bison Initiative is doing exactly that:

  • Increasing carcass value
  • Developing new revenue streams
  • Expanding into products like tallow (cosmetics, cooking oil)

The stronger the whole-animal program, the stronger the producer return.

A Long-Term Commitment to Producers

Rangeland’s approach is built on partnership:

  • Long-term contracts
  • Long-term retail relationships
  • Long-term industry health

Because the reality is simple:

We either grow together or shrink separately.

Are You the Right Fit?

Rangeland is looking for producers who:

  • Put animal welfare first
  • Care about land and herd health
  • Prioritize quality at every step
  • Want to be part of a fully integrated system

If that sounds like you, the opportunity is clear:

  • Strong pricing
  • Reliable demand
  • A long-term partner invested in your success

Final Thought

The Canadian bison industry is entering a new phase, one defined by tighter supply, stronger demand, and the need for smarter partnerships.

Rangeland is building that future alongside producers.

And the goal is simple: grow stronger, together.

2025 Big Dream Scholarship Recipients

Investing in the Future: Meet Rangeland’s 2025 Big Dream Scholarship Recipients

At Canadian Rangeland Bison, we believe the future of our industry starts with the next generation—and we’re proud to support that future through the Big Dream Scholarship at Lakeland College. This scholarship is made possible in partnership with the producers who contribute through Rangeland, and together, we are investing in the future of bison and agriculture. 

This year, we were thrilled to recognize two outstanding students whose passion, leadership, and dedication to bison and agriculture are truly inspiring: Abdul and Stephanie.

Abdul: Focused on the Future

For Abdul, receiving the Big Dream Scholarship lifted a major weight.

“It my financial burden and allowed me to focus on gaining hands-on experience in livestock health and management,” he shared. “To the producers who contributed, I’d say thank you for investing in the future of agriculture. Your generosity has made a real difference in my education and career path.”

Abdul is committed to bison not just because of their resilience, but because of what they represent.

“Bison are sustainable and deeply connected to Canada’s heritage. Raising them aligns with my passion for livestock health and environmental stewardship.”

Stephanie: Embracing Connection and C

onservation

Stephanie echoes that passion and brings a deep appreciation for connection.

“This generous award allowed me to focus on my studies and personal growth without financial worries. My time at Lakeland has been the most transformative time of my life.”

She was particularly moved by the community surrounding the industry.

“The true generosity is the kindness and time people have shared with me. The conversations I’ve had with members of the Alberta Bison Producers Association have had a lifelong impact.”

Stephanie sees bison as a symbol of restoration and hope.

“They are a keystone species in Canada, and raising them is essential for the health of our ecosystems. I want to be part of that healing.”

Looking Ahead

Both students expressed hope for a future where bison are not only thriving on ranches—but also in national parks, where Canadians and visitors alike can experience their power and importance in our ecosystem.

We’re honoured to support emerging leaders like Abdul and Stephanie—and deeply grateful to the producers who make the Big Dream Scholarship possible through their partnership with Rangeland. Together, we’re investing in a stronger, more sustainable future.

Product of The Year Award – Better For You Snacks

Rangeland Bison Wins Product of the Year!

We are thrilled to announce that Rangeland Bison has been awarded Product of the Year for our Rangeland Bison Steak Bites! This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to providing clean, high-quality snacks that taste as good as they are nutritious.

The award reflects our dedication to offering products that align with today’s health-conscious lifestyle, while still delivering on flavor. Rangeland Bison Steak Bites have quickly become a fan favorite for their tender, easy-to-chew texture and the rich, naturally smoked flavor of 100% Canadian bison.

What makes this award even more special is the fact that our Steak Bites are crafted with minimal ingredients: bison, brown sugar, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cultured celery powder – all of which come together to create a mouthwatering, protein-packed snack that’s free from added hormones or antibiotics. It’s truly a product we are proud to stand behind.

Winning Product of the Year is a testament to the hard work and passion that goes into every batch we create. Our team is committed to delivering the very best, and we are beyond excited to see that our customers and industry leaders agree.

A huge thank you to our loyal customers, supporters, and everyone who has helped make this achievement possible. We couldn’t have done it without you! We’re excited to continue bringing you more innovative, clean, and delicious products that you can trust and enjoy.

Here’s to many more years of great taste and healthy snacking!

 

Check out us and other winners on the Product of the Year webpage.

Get your hands on these tasty bites here!

Alberta Food Processors Association Announces Winners of the ‘Best of Alberta’ Winner!

Meat & Seafood: Canadian Rangeland Bison & Elk Inc. – Bison Premium Tomahawk

AFPA congratulates all the winners for their dedication to producing locally made, high-quality, and delicious food and beverages. These awards not only celebrate their achievements but also showcase the incredible depth and talent within Alberta’s food processing industry. Visit www.madeinalberta.co to learn more about each of the winning products and to check out hundreds of other locally raised, grown, and sourced Made in Alberta offerings.
Alberta Food Processors Association Celebrates 50 Years of Supporting Food and Beverage Excellence; Announces Winners of the ‘Best of Alberta’ Awards Edmonton, AB (June 18, 2024) – The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) is thrilled to commemorate its 50th anniversary and recognize the outstanding achievements of Alberta’s food and beverage processors with the return of the Alberta Food and Beverage Awards. “For five decades, AFPA has been a champion for Alberta’s food and beverage industry,” said Bianca Parsons, Executive Director. “We’re incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in ensuring food safety, fostering innovation, and promoting the success of our members. This year’s winners are a testament to the exceptional quality and diversity of products coming out of our province.” The Alberta Food & Beverage Awards recognize excellence across 12 key food and beverage categories, focusing on Made in Alberta products that are raised, grown, or sourced in Alberta or whose final transformation process takes place in Alberta. The 2024 winners are:
  • Beverages (non-alcoholic): Eagle Hill Farms – Haskap Honey Sweetened Juice
  • Alcohol: Highwood Distillers – Sweet Sippin Maple Whisky Cream
  • Cereal Products: Going Nuts- Coconut Crunch Granola
  • Condiments & Sauces: Monster Sauce – Monster Crunch Chili Crisp
  • Dairy: Friceys Prairie Fruit Pops Ltd. – Fruit Covered Ice Cream Bar
  • Sweets & Candy: WOW! Factor
  • Desserts – Gulab Jamun Dainty Cheesecake
  • Growers: Sunterra Market- Sunterra Greenhouse Dutchess Strawberries
  • Snack Foods: 7 Summits Snacks – Dark Chocolate Superfood Bar
  • Meat & Seafood: Canadian Rangeland Bison & Elk Inc. – Bison Premium Tomahawk
  • Oils & Seasoning: Darkside of the Grill Inc. – Killer Shroomz
  • Prepared Meals: Flat Out Feasts – Cajun Jicama & Pork Skillet
  • Most Innovative: WOW! Factor Desserts – Gulab Jamun Dainty Cheesecake

AFPA congratulates all the winners for their dedication to producing locally made, high-quality, and delicious food and beverages. These awards not only celebrate their achievements but also showcase the incredible depth and talent within Alberta’s food processing industry. Visit www.madeinalberta.co to learn more about each of the winning products and to check out hundreds of other locally raised, grown, and sourced Made in Alberta offerings.

 

Read the full press release here

It’s Carnivore Month!

Indulge in the primal delight of Carnivore Month! Elevate your all-meat experience by incorporating the exceptional quality of Rangeland meat into your carnivore diet. Dive into the benefits of bison meat—celebrated for its rich nutritional profile and sustainability. This month, savor the simplicity and power of a meat-centric approach, discovering the vitality, clarity, and energy that come from embracing high-quality, protein-packed options. Carnivore Month is your invitation to explore the extraordinary taste and benefits of Rangeland meats, making every carnivorous bite a celebration of health and flavor.

Bison Brand’s Edgy Makeover Redefines the Meat Industry

In a bold move to transform the meat industry, Bison Brand embarked on a mission to promote the health benefits of bison meat and create widespread excitement. Through a complete rebranding, including a fresh logo and packaging, the company adopted a bold new voice inspired by the strength of the mighty bison. The result is an innovative campaign reflecting the forward-thinking direction of the company, capturing the essence of power and untamed spirit.

Bison Brand’s daring reinvention, born out of a collaboration with Bark Studio Design, positions them as pioneers in promoting a sustainable and healthier alternative to traditional meat. With their edgy new look, they aim to inspire a wave of enthusiasts to join the bison meat revolution, benefitting both people’s health and Mother Nature.