Bison Industry

According to the most recent USDA Ag Census, which was conducted in 2022:

Bison in US Private Herds

  • 1,986 active bison producers
  • 192,477 head of bison
  • Average herd size: 77 head

Bison in Colorado

  • 110 active bison producers (ranked 2nd in US)
  • 9,555 head of bison (ranked 5th in US)
  • Average herd size: 87 head

Bison in Wyoming

  • 45 active bison producers (ranked 17th in US)
  • 8,715 head of bison (ranked 6th in US)
  • Average herd size: 194 head

Bison in Tribal Herds

  • 70 bison herds
  • Over 11,700 head of bison
  • Average herd size: 167 head

Bison in US Federal Herds (DOI 2020)

  • 19 bison herds in 12 states
  • Over 11,000 head of bison

Bison in Other US State and Public Herds (USFWS 2022)

  • Over 10,000 head of bison

Smaller producers make up the backbone of the bison industry, many supply bison meat directly to consumers, as well as some animal sales to the larger bison markets.

Canada is home to a large segment of the bison industry as well. 

Bison in Canadian Private Herds (2021 Canadian Census of Ag)

  • 989 active bison producers
  • 149,539 head of bison
  • Average herd size: 151 head

Bison in Canadian Public Herds (2020 Canadian Parks)

  • Over 13,000 head of bison