Who We Are
Are they Bison or buffalo?
American Bison are the largest terrestrial mammal in North America. Mature bulls (males) weigh approximately 2,000 lbs. while cows (females) weigh 1,100 lbs. These herbivores graze on prairie grasses and have an average life span of 20 years.
I thought they were “Buffalo?”…
Did you know that when you order a buffalo burger at a restaurant it may not be the animal you are thinking of. Many meats labeled buffalo are actually “cape” or “water buffalo” from Asia and Africa. Western settlers first referred to “bison” as “buffalo”, the animal they were familiar with from Asia and Africa. The language and culture of the wild west has continued to this day…but we prefer using the term Bison.
“Bison” is technically more accurate and you know you are getting what you ordered.
History: Butterfield Overland Trail
BT Bison is located along the Butterfield Overland Trail southwest of Abilene, Texas. The origins of the Butterfield Overland Trail begin in 1858 when President John Butterfield of the Butterfield Overland Mail Company was awarded the mail service contract authorized by the US Post Master. He developed the southern route of the Overland Trail, which was 600 miles longer than the Central Overland Trail; however, it had the advantage of being snow free. The stage coach mail and passenger service was the longest mail contract awarded and ran between Memphis, TN and San Francisco, CA until 1861 when the services ended due to the impending Civil War.
What is sustainable ranching?
Sustainable ranching has to do with how the land is used and managed.
- Protecting resources (water, soil, biodiversity…)
- Humane treatment of all animals
- Minimal intervention
We maintain the natural relationship between the bison and the land. We supplement water during drought, clear noxious (non-native) plants, maintain fences to safely keep bison off local roads, and tag yearlings to accurately monitor herd size and monitor herd health.
