Happy National Bison Day! This Saturday, November 1st 2014 is National Bison Day. For the third straight year, the U.S. Senate has set aside this day to recognize and celebrate the historic and legendary American Bison, commonly known as the Buffalo. So, we thought we would take some time to reflect on the majestic Bison and let you know why we feel it is important for us to treat and raise each of our Buffalo with care and respect. American Bison, also known as the Buffalo, have played an enormous role in America’s history, much of which is overlooked. Bison were huge in number roaming across much of the American landscape prior to the arrival of Euro-American settlers in the 1700s. Native Americans revered the Buffalo as a symbol of their culture and used all the animal’s parts for a variety of purposes. They believed that every part had a purpose and this included forming the bones, horns, and hide into everything from utensils and weaponry to clothing. Over the next couple of centuries, the once dominant Bison herds rapidly declined to the point of near extinction due to excessive hunting. Historians believe that more than 4 million Bison were slaughtered during this period. Fortunately, before this important species was completely exterminated, the American government stepped in with measures to protect the few remaining animals. What followed was what many consider to be America’s first conservation success as the American Bison was slowly brought back from the brink of extinction. With the declaration of National Bison Day three years ago, Americans are finally paying homage to an animal, that is as much of an American icon as any other. Today more than 50 other organizations, businesses and tribes, supports National Bison Day as a way to celebrate the Bison.” All of us at Wild Idea Buffalo Co., LLC are thrilled that the Bison/Buffalo is finally getting the attention it deserves. Bringing Buffalo back to their native homeland on the Great Plains has been at the center of our preservation efforts. Wild Idea Buffalo Co., LLC was created in 1997 in an effort to support the preservation of the Great Plains and to offer consumers an alternative to the industrialized food system. The idea was simple: supply delicious, healthy, 100% grass-fed meat to consumers interested in sustainability. The Wild Idea continues today because of Americans like you who care about the food you eat and the world we share. We truly appreciate your continued support of our mission to provide America with this healthy red meat alternative. Wild Idea Buffalo Co., LLC Raised Better, Tastes Better
Naturally Raised vs Organic
Nowadays when we peruse the aisles of our local grocery store we are hit by an onslaught of labels and tags. Two of these labels, which are appearing more and more frequently, are “Naturally Raised” and “Organic.” Both of these terms sound very appealing and should help steer the consumer towards a better product, but what do these terms really mean? A deeper look at these buzzwords is no doubt merited. Naturally Raised In 2009 the USDA defined the term Naturally Raised with respect to animals in the following way:1) No Growth Hormones 2) No Antibiotics –other than to prevent parasitism- and 3) no animal by products can be fed to the animals. USDA “Naturally Raised” Definition What the USDA has chosen to include in their definition of Naturally Raised is great; however, there is a problem with what’s left out of the definition. The standard leaves out discussions of confinement and what the animals are fed – it seems everything goes as long as it’s not animal byproduct. So while this standard is certainly a step in the right direction and has closed a lot of doors that prevent producers from using certain practices, it has unfortunately still left a few windows wide open. Organic The definition of Organic, as it pertains to animal products, covers many of the same issues that Naturally Raised does, but once again doesn’t complete the full spectrum of animal health/best practices. According to the standard, four items must be met: 1) producers meet health and welfare standards 2) hormones and antibiotics are not used, 3) all feed must be 100% Organic, 4) animals must have access to the outdoors. USDA “Organic” Definition Certainly the organic seal is a step in the correct direction for the food we consume, but once again it is what’s left out, or the grey areas, that present a problem. It’s great that our animals are being fed a 100% Organic diet, but is it the diet they would have chosen themselves and evolved to consume? Also, access to the outdoors is an awfully vague phrase; how often to the animals have access, what are their living conditions indoors, what type of space outdoors do they have access to? So here once again with the term Organic, we are presented with a term that doesn’t necessarily mean what we all hope it would. At Wild Idea Buffalo Co. we are often asked about how are animals are raised and whether or not we slap such labels on our product. We do not currently label our products this way because, truth be told, we go beyond these requirements and hold ourselves to our own standards. Our buffalo is always 100% Grass-fed, 100% Free-Roaming on the land and grasses they evolved to graze 5 million years ago, 100% Hormone and Antibiotic Free, and 100% Humanely Field Harvested. We strive to treat our animals with the dignity and respect they deserve as a result end up with a exquisitely delicious and healthy meat you can enjoy with a clear conscious.
Buffalo Sunset
Some days I get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle, and find that at the end of the day I need to center myself. A drive through the buffalo herd usually does the trick. It is incredible what being in the center of a healthy ecosystem can do for the health of a person. Last night I did just that and brought my video camera in hopes to share it with you. The sun was setting, putting all in a warm glow. Slowly it worked it’s magic on me, reminding me of all that is right with the world. I hope you enjoy it too. Warmest Wishes – Jilian