Bison Producers of Alberta

06/10/2026

~TEACHABLE TUESDAY~
Do bison like to swim? You bet they do! These bison cows aren't swimming, but they are enjoying a cool, refreshing dip in the water on a hot summer day.

Bison are strong and capable swimmers. They can easily cross large rivers and lakes without hesitation. Their large head helps them steer and stay balanced in the water. Calves can also swim, but they tire easily in heavy currents.

Bison often have to swim across rivers to reach different pastures. When rivers are running fast and full, especially in the spring after the snow melts, it can be challenging for the bison, especially the calves. It is not common for one to drown or be swept away in hard currents, but it does happen.

While a river might be a natural barrier for some animals, it is not a reliable option for these resilient bison.

06/01/2026

Mark your calendars and register today! We are holding this great Field Day event in partnership with Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association, and MFL Bison Ranch Ltd. !

Great opportunity to learn about increasing your bottom line through grazing methods, hear about the great bison decline in North America, and take part in a bison move on a field walk! Lunch included, this day will be informative and a great for networking.

05/23/2026

Bison producers are balancing tradition, innovation and stewardship every day — and this year’s CFGA Bison Webinar Series brought those conversations together.

From grazing management and pasture productivity to herd health and sustainable production practices, the series connected producers and industry experts from across Canada to share practical knowledge and real-world experience.

Missed a session or want to revisit the discussion? Explore the recordings and resources in the CFGA Resource Library.

Learn more: www.canadianfga.ca/en/pasture-grazing/resource-library/

05/21/2026

If you know someone that is going into these areas, there are scholarships to be won! Please share!
https://calgaryfoundation.org/student-awards/

05/07/2026

We get it.
Bison calves are ridiculously cute. The ears. The legs. The whole vibe. 🦬

But before you step closer, remember that quiet little calf has a very large, very protective mother nearby and she’s not in the mood for meet and greets.

Like mothers of most species, bison are more aggressive while caring for their young. If you observe a bison changing its behaviour with your presence, you are too close - give them space.

When visiting remember:
👉Stay 100 m away from bison. Spot them with a pair of binoculars!
👉Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for bison. Let nature be your playlist - refrain from using headphones.
👉Never enter a herd of bison on foot or come between two animals, especially a cow and her calf.

For more on bison safety, visit: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/elkisland/securite-safety/bison

05/07/2026

We send our wishes to Ted’s family and friends. He touched so many in the industry as well as helping it. May we all follow his ways of preserving land and caring well for bison!

The National Bison Association is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Ted Turner. We express our sympathy to his family, friends, and the team supporting his ongoing work within the bison community and beyond.

Ted's impact on our industry has been tremendous. His dedication to preserving the natural world and re-establishing bison within those ecosystems speaks to the legacy he leaves behind. Bison producers everywhere benefit from the diverse research and herd management lessons produced on Ted's ranches. More U.S. consumers enjoy the delicious and nutritious taste of bison today because of Ted's efforts in introducing the meat to the masses through his restaurants.

The NBA is eternally grateful for the contributions Ted made throughout his lifetime, as well as the ongoing partnerships we enjoy with Turner Ranches and the Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture. May we all strive to live up to the example Ted set for being good stewards of the land and animals we have the honor of caring for.

Jim Matheson, Executive Director
Photo: Turner Enterprises

04/30/2026

~TEACHABLE TUESDAY~
Rest is a powerful tool for young bison calves. In between spurts of running and playing, bison calves spend the majority of their time resting.

On average, calves may lie down and rest for up to 18 to 21 hours per day. During that time, they may only have 1 to 2 hours of deep sleep. The rest of the time is spent resting, ruminating, and dozing, just like adult bison.

After the first few weeks, the calves will gradually spend more time awake and moving around rather than resting.

04/23/2026

Happy Earth Day! As bison producers we are helping improve soils and grasslands and celebrate Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day. This year's theme is Our Power, Our Planet.

Environmental progress doesn’t depend on any single administration or election. It’s sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, farmers, producers, and families protecting where they live and work.

04/22/2026

What a wonderful way to educate others about our industry!