stewardship Archives - Canadian Rangeland Bison

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.

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.