We own & operate our ranch about 20 miles south of Fargo, ND. Most of our breeding stock was purchased from RX Ken Mar Ranch at New Rockford, ND This ranch probably has some of the leading stock in the nation, with about 40 year’s experience.
The first thing that was DRILLED into my head was: (DON’T EVER turn your back on a Buffalo). After I learned that, we started raising Buffalo in 1995. We started with 6 head. By the terrible winter of 1996-1997 they were old enough to land me on the evening news with them getting out “at will” with 25 foot snow drifts all over the yard. That learning experience didn’t cost me any money and I learned to use the snow drifts as a fence. They earned my respect.
In my opinion, Buffalo are a lot more educated than people give them credit for. I pretty much do the sorting by myself. I was born and raised on a farm with Dairy & Beef cattle. Cattle will usually run past you. BUFFALO make no bones about running over you. The closest I have come was a horn across my belly with winter clothes on. It didn’t even tear my clothes, but left a very large beet red mark there. The animals on our ranch do not own any horns now!! Buffalo are a VERY herd oriented animal, even though their pecking order is severe. They will gather when they feel threatened. (The threat is usually me). But when the day is done they are back to showing each other who is BOSS. Each herd will have a boss cow (as I call them). One of the smaller cows I have, (around 1050-1100lbs) will whip any animal on the place. Interestingly enough, she is the only one that can eat at the same bunk with Herd Bulls (they weigh around 2000lbs) when I grain them. All in All, I enjoy raising Bison. They are very self contained. (Not much care required) But you do need to respect the animal.
“NEVER TRUST A BUFFALO”
They are a fun animal to watch, as we do out the back window of our house. My kids learn early to STAY AWAY FROM THE FENCE!! As for my dogs. That is another story. They will run with the animals until they get rolled!!! Any questions or comments, Be sure to contact us!
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