The fastest-growing sector of the meat industry may not be what you think. The National Bison Association is the answer and they were present at NAFB’s recent Trade Talk to show that they are dedicated to maintaining their position as a niche in the marketplace.

I spoke with Dave Carter, Executive Director of the organization and he talked about their success in connecting with consumers and producers. He also was excited to share that U.S. Senate has officially deemed November 2nd as National Bison Day. Our country has a national bird so why not a national mammal. Proposed legislation has been filed to make the bison our National Mammal.

“We are growing quickly, but we are also a very small niche. And we aim to keep it that way. We are growing because people see there are three big attributes about bison. Number one is it is a very healthy meat. They love the fact that it is low fat, high in protein and high in iron. Second, they love that it is all natural. We always say when you talk about sustainable food, what could be more sustainable then the animal that has been here over a 1,000 years. It is illegal to use growth hormones and we don’t use antibiotics. The third thing and I think the most important is people have discovered it is a delicious meat.”

Dave gives credit to rural media for helping them get the word out about their organization and wholesome product. They were also recently at the National FFA Convention and have a program where their members will sponsor FFA chapters to get started in the bison business. Currently there are about 1,000 bison ranchers across the United States.

There website www.bisoncentral.com has a plethora of materials and educational supplies to inform anyone interested in becoming a producer or consumer. You can find a producer’s handbook, a DVD and classroom curriculum.

Dave also hits on the difference in facilities and shares that they also have a Bison Finder app that will inform you about retail stores or restaurants that sell bison.

Listen to my complete interview with Dave here: Interview with Dave Carter

Checkout photos from NAFB Convention: 2013 NAFB Convention Photo Album