Bruce and Shirley Mills has been elevating bison on his 100-acre Perth County farm for greater than 30 years.
“[We] simply wished one thing completely different. We had mother and father that have been within the milk trade or the dairy trade, and also you’re form of managed a bit of bit in there. However this right here, there’s no one round with them. So, you may have a greater probability of doing a bit of bit extra with it, and in your individual approach, the way in which you need to, your self,” mentioned Bruce.
The Mills’ have turned the 11 bison they began with in 1992, into roughly 100 bison. Mills mentioned the majestic animals are protecting, and have a powerful herd mentality, however mentioned so long as you deal with them with respect, and keep calm round them, he likes working with them higher than beef cattle.
“Properly, they’re nonetheless a wild animal, they by no means lose out. So, you do not need to nook them as a result of they’ll win until you bought one thing massive with you to cease that. They’ll run quick, like 35/mph, and instantaneous velocity — it is not a take a couple of gallops to get going, it simply goes. They’re very explosive. You simply construct a superb dealing with facility to take care of them they usually’re simple to deal with. They load simple, fast. I like them higher than beef,” mentioned Mills.
Blanbrook Bison is one in every of roughly 1,000 bison farms in Canada, however one in every of solely 52 in Ontario.
There are roughly 150,000 bison raised in Canada in complete, with a gentle rise over the previous 15 years, as an increasing number of individuals uncover the low fats, nutrient wealthy meat.
“It is a low-fat meat, decrease ldl cholesterol, excessive iron, excessive in protein. Once you prepare dinner it, it does not shrink down, as a result of the fats is not coming off of it,” he defined.
Blanbrook’s Bison is at some native eating places, butcher outlets, and even the Covent Backyard Market, however a lot of the Mills’ bison meat is bought proper from their farmgate.
Bruce Mills admires his herd of bison at his Perth County farm in Kirkton, Ont. on Oct. 2, 2024. (Scott Miller/ London)
Whereas they’re seeing regular demand, they know that bison meat is not going to take over beef anytime quickly, however there’s regular progress taking place within the U.S.
“There’s the massive restaurant chain in is within the U.S. and it is referred to as Ted’s Montana Grill, which is run by Ted Turner. He raises about 50,000 of them on a bunch of ranches. So, he is bought 50 or 60 of these in a series across the U.S. Not in Canada but, however he is been requested about increasing,” mentioned Mills.
As a lot as Bruce and Shirley love their bison farm, they know that they cannot run it without end. They’re hopeful to go it on to the following era within the not-too-distant future.
“We will be turning it over to my son right here within the subsequent brief time I feel. Hopefully. It is beginning to get a bit of bit more durable for me. Age catching up with me,” mentioned Bruce.
To study extra about Blanbrook Bison and the place the bison trade is in Canada, you’ll be able to go to www.blanbrookbison.ca and www.canadianbison.ca .
