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Bison Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a permit to start a bison operation?
• Are there regulations that I must follow related to bison production?
• Where do I find information and assistance for entry into the bison industry?
• What does membership to Peace Country Bison Association or Interior Bison Association provide?
• Is there government support available for start-up bison producers?
• Are handling equipment such as corrals, paddocks, chute and squeeze chute necessary when raising bison?
• Are there quotas or other methods of market allocations?
• How do I market my bison?
• Is there a demand for bison products?
• What are animals selling for?
• What are the legal requirements of slaughter?
• Is there a future for bison production?

Do I need a permit to start a bison operation?

Yes, you need to apply to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Abbotsford Office (604 556-3014 or 1 877 877-2474) for a Game Farm License. Licenses are not issued for Queen Charlotte Island and they are not transferable.

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Are there regulations that I must follow related to bison production?

Yes, these regulations are provided in detail in BC Game Farming Manual that can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands Office in Abbotsford (604 556-3014 or 1 877 877-2474). Alternatively, these regulations can be found under the BC Game Farm Act.

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Where do I find information and assistance for entry into the bison industry?

Join a local association to meet bison producers. You may be able to learn from others' successes and mistakes. Keep abreast of market prices and current news on the industry. Check you nearest association such as the BC Bison Association.

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What does membership to Peace Country Bison Association or Interior Bison Association provide?

These associations provide information to bison producers. Membership in either association entitles you to membership in the Canadian Bison Association and subscription to the industry magazine "Smoke Signal" published six times a year.

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Is there government support available for start-up bison producers?

There have been funding programs available in the past. They focused mainly on providing funding to offset the costs of adopting new technology or environmental enhancements. These funding programs have been terminated and support to producers is now concentrated on providing the agricultural industry groups with information or assistance in the areas of production, business planning, and marketing. Many low cost or free services are available through various B.C. Ministries. It may be possible to receive partial funding on some select projects, such as those that involve research or marketing.

There are several federally and provincially funded programs that provide support for start-up bison producers. Each program has different aims — some focus on exports, while others focus on research. These programs have strategic priorities and formalized eligibility and application guidelines. And many programs provide services rather than funding.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Electronic Information Service
Provides information on inspection, regulations, industry information, research and technology, and human resources.
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/

Business Development Bank of Canada
Provides information on financial products, venture capital, and consulting services.
Website: http://www.bdc.ca

Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre
A business resource centre that provides information on starting a new business, entering new markets, accessing government programs and services, taxation, and regulations.
Phone: (604) 775-5525
Fax: (604) 775-5520
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Assists companies to succeed in the global marketplace.
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/

If you are looking for general information on export marketing, financing and logistics, go to Canada Business - Exporting

Export Development Corporation
Provides programs that can assist Canadian exporters to compete in foreign markets.
Website: http://www.edc.ca

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
The FCC offers innovative products and services to farmers and small- and medium-sized agri-businesses. The family farm has been and will continue to be the main focus of their lending operations. They also support farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations on the farm and beyond the farm gate.
Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/

Industry Canada
Provides programs and funding to assist with exporting and research and development.
Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD offers a network of business professionals to help with business planning and development, accessing capital, export or trade development, selling to government markets, and providing information on government programs and services for which a business may be eligible.
Website: http://www.wd.gc.ca/

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Are handling equipment such as corrals, paddocks, chute and squeeze chute necessary when raising bison?

Yes.

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Are there quotas or other methods of market allocations?

No.

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How do I market my bison?

Bison can be marketed through different means such as auctions, classic show, private sales or what ever method that is convenient and profitable to you.

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Is there a demand for bison products?

Yes. Demand currently exceeds supply.

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What are animals selling for?

Bison prices fluctuate according to supply and demand. The market prices for bull calves and slaughter bulls have remained fairly constant over the past five years with a small upward trend during this period. Prices paid for females peaked in the fall of 1998. Then these prices fell by 50% in 1999 and have leveled off and strengthened in 2000. To get current market prices visit auction market websites or call Bison Centre at 780 986-4100

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What are the legal requirements of slaughter?

Bison meat for export outside of BC or Canada must be slaughtered and inspected at a federally registered plant. Bison meat intended to be marketed in BC must be slaughtered and inspected either at a federally registered plant, a provincially licensed plant, or a licensed abattoir. Provincial licensed plants and abattoirs are slaughtering premises that are regulated by the BC Centre for Disease Control under a process of inspection of the premises before a license is issued.

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Is there a future for bison production?

Yes, the future looks optimistic. Given the fact that the bison industry is a growing one, it is estimated that total bison production is expected to provide only 1% of USA demand for red meat by the year 2020.

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