Indiana Bison Ranchers Supply Tasty and Healthy Meat to Hoosiers and Beyond

In partnership with: Indiana State Department of Agriculture

At first glance, it may look like any other parcel of land in Greene County, Indiana, with lush, green grass covering hilly terrain. But this countryside is home to an American icon: the mighty bison. It’s the headquarters for Red Frazier Bison, an endeavor that began in 2014 when a group of friends banded together in hopes of venturing into the world of agriculture.

Today, Red Frazier Bison has a herd of about 100 strong and supplies bison meat to the local community and beyond.

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Sustainably Wild

Zach Martin, co-owner of Red Frazier, had experience on family farms when he was young, but the rest of the group was new to agriculture. Co-owner Jennifer Karnes says with some hard work, they felt like they could figure it out.

While she does note a steep learning curve, the wider bison industry was incredibly helpful, offering networking opportunities and support.

“It’s been a phenomenal gift,” Karnes says.

Red Frazier rotates the animals on seven or eight pastures to enable grass recovery and parasite control. That said, bison ranching is pretty hands-off.

“We literally don’t touch them,” Karnes says. “It’s always about a low-stress approach – trying to make them think that what we want them to do was their idea. It’s about working with their instincts.”

In fact, one of Red Frazier’s goals is to have a herd of undomesticated Indiana bison that could survive without human care if the ranch’s fences ever disappeared.

“Part of what makes bison both rewarding and challenging is that they’re still wild,” Karnes says.

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Farm to Table

Red Frazier supplies meat to its retail store in Spencer, and its cuts can also be found on restaurant menus throughout Indiana. They sell at farmers markets and online as well.

Karnes says she hasn’t gotten tired of eating bison meat due to its array of culinary options, from rib-eyes and fillets to roasts and burgers. The company even has recipe ideas on its website.

She also notes bison meat is healthy because it’s higher in iron and protein than beef and lower in fat and cholesterol than both skinless chicken and salmon. And if you’re concerned about bison conservation, try eating a bison burger.

“The best thing you can do to help grow the bison population is to eat bison,” Karnes says, explaining Indiana bison ranching helps bolster the population by supporting natural herd growth.

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