When it comes to making conscious food choices, buying local has become more than just a trend- it’s a way to connect with the land, support the community, and enjoy the highest-quality products available. One such product that stands out for its exceptional taste, health benefits and environmental advantages is Alberta-raised Bison meat. Here at True Grit Buffalo Ranch, we’ve made a strong commitment to sustainability of our bison and pride ourselves in the quality of our meat. Today we would like to explore the benefits of choosing Alberta-raised Bison.
1. Rich Flavour and Superior Quality
Alberta is renowned for its pristine natural landscapes and vast grasslands—perfect conditions for raising healthy, free-range bison. Bison raised in Alberta are often grass-fed and roam freely in open spaces, contributing to the lean, tender texture and rich, distinctive flavour that bison meat is known for. Unlike conventionally raised beef, bison has a naturally richer, sweeter taste that’s more flavourful without being greasy.
The superior quality of Alberta-raised bison is due to the province’s commitment to maintaining sustainable farming practices and promoting ethical treatment of animals. When you buy locally raised bison, you are choosing a product that has been carefully raised in its natural environment, resulting in a better tasting, healthier option for you and your family.
2. Healthier Meat Option
If you’re looking to eat healthier, bison meat is an excellent choice. Compared to traditional beef, bison is lower in fat and higher in protein, making it an ideal option for anyone looking to reduce their calorie intake or build lean muscle. Here’s why bison is a standout when it comes to nutrition:
- Lean Protein: Bison is an excellent source of high-quality protein that supports muscle repair and growth.
- Lower in Fat: Bison has less fat than beef, making it a heart-healthier alternative, especially for people looking to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Rich in Iron and B Vitamins: Bison is an excellent source of iron and B vitamins like B12, which are crucial for energy production and overall well-being.
- No Added Hormones or Antibiotics: Many local Alberta ranchers raise bison in an all-natural, hormone-free environment, meaning you’re getting a pure, clean product free from antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones.
Choosing Alberta-raised bison not only gives you a healthier meat option but also supports a more sustainable food system that promotes better animal welfare practices.
3. Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
In an age where sustainability is top of mind for many consumers, buying locally raised bison is an environmentally conscious decision. Bison are naturally adapted to the harsh climates and landscapes of Alberta, requiring less intervention and fewer resources than traditional livestock. Here’s how choosing Alberta-raised bison contributes to a more sustainable food system:
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Bison are raised on grasslands, which are often less resource-intensive to manage than conventional cattle ranches. The grass-fed diet of bison also helps promote the health of the grasslands, contributing to carbon sequestration and improved soil health.
- Fewer Pesticides and Herbicides: Alberta bison farmers often raise their animals using organic and sustainable practices, minimizing the use of chemicals that can harm the environment.
- No Factory Farming: Alberta-raised bison are typically raised on smaller, family-run ranches that emphasize ethical farming practices, as opposed to factory farms where animals are kept in crowded conditions and subjected to intense confinement.
By supporting local bison farmers, you’re making a choice that not only tastes great but also supports sustainable farming methods that have a positive impact on the environment.
4. Supporting Local Farmers and the Economy
When you buy Alberta-raised bison meat, you are investing in your local community. Alberta’s bison industry is made up of small-scale, family-run operations that play a vital role in the province’s economy. By purchasing local bison, you help support:
- Local Jobs: From ranchers to butchers, buying local helps sustain jobs within the Alberta farming and food production sectors.
- Farm Sustainability: Supporting local bison farmers enables them to continue operating their businesses sustainably, ensuring that bison farming remains a viable livelihood for generations to come.
- Boosting the Alberta Economy: Local food systems keep money circulating within your community, helping boost the overall economy and foster long-term growth.
When you choose to purchase Alberta-raised bison, you’re not just buying a product—you’re contributing to the prosperity of your community and ensuring that the Alberta farming industry remains strong and resilient.
With its rich flavour, lean nutrition, and commitment to sustainability, our Alberta-raised Bison is a choice you can feel good about. We offer individual cuts as well as a variety of curated boxes which are available to purchase online. Order online today!