The Importance of Grass-Fed and Finished Bison
Why grass-fed and finished? In a world where industrial agriculture, feedlots and fast food is the primary source of nutrition, regenerative bison ranching was the only way for our family.
Bison can provide a positive impact to the grazing lands on which they live. If the animal is grass-fed it is considered a regenerative agriculture practice, meaning the grass root is not destroyed during grazing. This allows for water permeability, and nutrients to amend the soil, protecting the grasses from drought further increasing grass diversity.
Most beef cattle spend the majority of their lives in feedlots. Some beef cattle breeds graze but are set to feedlots for corn finishing, unlike our bison which are raised on grasslands until the animals are harvested. Researchers at universities attribute the most beautiful grassland of the plains to be diverse and abundant because of the grazing, breeding, and dying of the American Bison.The full circle of life.
Grass-fed and finished bison provide a more favorable fatty acid composition compared to beef. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in bison create more anti-inflammatory omega-3s. These anti-inflammatory properties reduce oxidative stress or free radicals in the body. Nutrition science is complicated and the effects of eating a high anti-inflammatory animal protein is difficult to translate to reductions in human diseased states. However, at Fire Mtn Ranch we’re confident we are offering a healthy, humanely raised animal protein. We embrace slow food and believe living and eating in harmony with a focus on soil and land health will translate to healthier connections with food.
Fire Mtn Ranch spans 400 acres and provides our small herd ample room to graze among the beautiful backdrop of the West Elk Mountains and Black Canyon. We are humbled by the opportunity to cultivate bison on this beautiful land. Our son, Preston will gladly give you a tour and show the humane animal husbandry practices we employ at the Ranch. He recently moved from the farmstead to the on-ranch apartment to be closer to the animals and our ranching practices.
As we enter into year two of our ranch-to-table operation, we are continuously motivated by our mission to change our current food system for the better. By providing for our livestock, the people, and the land, we hope to create a circular regenerative harmonious food source system.
