MeatandPoultryProcessingCapacityTechnicalAssistance

After Getting Buffaloed, Bison Business Learned Marketing Lessons

Meat and poultry processors seeking lessons in diversification need look no further than the U.S. bison business.

Twenty-five years ago, the bison business looked like a giant pyramid scheme. Prices for live animals escalated dramatically in the 1990’s as ranchers competed to build their herds with the limited number of animals available. By 1999, prices for breeding stock had reached unsustainable heights, with the grand champion breeding bull selling for $101,000 at the National Bison Association’s annual Gold Trophy sale.

Diversification Sets Maine’s Southpaw Meat Market Apart 

When Santa goes looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer or a charcuterie platter for the elves’ holiday party, you may find him perusing the selection at Southpaw Meat Market in Windham, Maine.

The market, tucked in a strip mall 12 miles northwest of Portland, is a warm, welcoming space that exemplifies the opportunities for smaller processors to diversify and move beyond simply harvesting animals and packaging meat.