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Bison Producer Ivan Smith

Bison Producer Ivan Smith

Ivan Smith grew up around cattle, but when he decided to get into ranching himself, bison were his calling. “I never did much research but I really liked the bison story and their history. Then I saw that first bison come off the truck and thought, “Wow, what have I got myself into!”

Ivan has been operating Big Bend Bison Ranches in Red Deer Alberta since 1998 and has seen a lot of changes in those 23 years. Noble got Ivan on the phone to talk about the bison industry, consumer markets and what the future could look like. 

What’s the perception of bison meat out there, compared to when you first started selling your products?

People used to come to the farmers markets and give my bison table a wide berth; they didn’t really understand it. But small industry farms, and bison advocates like Doug and Kelly from Noble are changing that. Now customers come from as far as Yellowknife specifically for bison meat, preferring bison to other protein, and wanting more and more product.

What positive changes have you seen in the industry these last few years?

The bison industry has many cycles – we’re in one now. There have been lots of changes but I would say the right animals are now going to consumers. The availability of animals, the quality, variety and consistency of cuts has allowed us, and others, to grow in the meat market.

How long have you been working with Noble and what do you value about the relationship?

The bison industry is very small but we’re really like a big family. This is my second season with Noble, a relationship that started with a handshake. Doug and Kelly are known in the industry to be straight shooters and I value that, plus the integrity they bring to their business. They’ve been in this industry a long time, know how to weather the ups and downs, and I admire their focus on making this industry sustainable.

Ivan Smith, Big Bend Bison Ranches

What are you hoping for, with regards to the future of the bison industry in Canada?

More federal support for slaughter capacity, for one thing; the backlog is a real problem. The industry is still pretty volatile so more stabilization, like the beef industry is doing, would be welcome. I’d like to see the borders open up for our cuts to go south, and have more access to global markets.

When you’re not out on the ranch, what do you like to do?

Raising bison gives me freedom to spend quality time with my family, play competitive soccer with a bunch of guys half my age, and use my experience and skills to help other producers where I can. Folks call me the bison whisperer because I like to go anywhere the bison are – you could say I’m more comfortable with bison than people.

Across Canada, we’re raising bison alongside producers who are invested in so much more than their land and animals. Folks like Nolan, Ivan, and Robert believe that with integrity and transparency, we can build a great industry in Canada. One that benefits producers, marketers and the communities we live in. Visit our ranch, try our premium products, and let us know how we’re doing at  

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Canadian producers/suppliers of sustainable bison meat, pasture-raised on nature’s grassland. No hormones or antibiotics. Retail 🇨🇦 DM for Foodservice

Noble Premium Bison
Chefs! Get the advantage with #creativecuts from N Chefs! Get the advantage with #creativecuts from Noble Premium Bison!
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The Noble Premium Bison Flank is one of many under-utilized whole muscle cuts that has intense flavour and yields great taste every time. Super versatile, as shown in this delicious #rouladen, the bison #flank can offer intrigue and increased profitability to your bottom line #elevatetheplate
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When it comes to premium bison, know your supplier. At Noble, we’ve worked hard to develop the very best practices that ensure the safety and quality of the bison products we sell, and are committed to a culture of care all along the supply chain.
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To find out how we can help put the best premium Canadian bison on your menu, contact us at info@noblepremiumbison.ca
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #pastureraised #sustainableproducts #bison #regenerativebynature #noantibiotics #nohormones #cdnag #hospitality #catering #chefs #topchefs #chefsofinstagram #restaurantlife
With the rising cost of food, we’re all more dis With the rising cost of food, we’re all more discerning about what we put in our shopping cart. Knowing who’s behind the products we buy, and what goes into making them, helps us make informed decisions.
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As part of our ongoing bison story, we’re introducing our clients, chefs and customers to some of the dedicated producers behind our product. Like Keegan Kitzul.
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Keegan may be one of our youngest bison producers but he’s by no means wet behind the ears. A fifth generation farmer, Keegan is taking the knowledge and experience of his parents and grandparents before him, and applying it to his business of growing crops and raising bison.
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Visit our blog to read more about our Canadian producers, and how they’re raising bison with care for the animal and the planet. Link in Bio or go to 
https://noblepremiumbison.com/meet-noble/blog/bison-producer-keegan-kitzul/
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #cdnag #bisonproducers #canadianfarmers #farmfamilies #regenerativeranching #bison #regenerativebynature #NaturesOriginalPlantBasedProtein #grasslands #pastureraised @canadianbisonassociation
There’s a new kid in town - Blair’s Bison Burg There’s a new kid in town - Blair’s Bison Burger featuring you guessed it - Noble Premium Ground Bison! And topped with a bacon onion blueberry jam made in house + Swiss cheese 😋 Go get one and #eatbettereatbison 💯
Congratulations @travelling_girl98 🎉 You've got Congratulations @travelling_girl98 🎉 You've got a BIG BOX of BISON coming your way!
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We can't get over how many of you love bison, want to try bison, or are already Noble Premium Bison fans! We appreciate the support so much, and so do our Canadian farming families 😀 Thanks to all who entered our first #bison Giveaway of 2023 and be sure watch for the next one! #eatbettereatbison
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #themeat2eat #healthyprotein #eatwellbewell #bisonrecipes #grassraised #sustainableproduct #maddieandkiki #bbqfamily #grillmasters #bbqlife @maddieandkiki
We like to look at the humble meatball as a one bi We like to look at the humble meatball as a one bite wonder!
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It doesn't get much easier than #meatballs to make a meal fit for a king! 👑 You can dress 'em up for a fancy party or stuff 'em in a sub for a fast meal on the go. And if you make 'em with #bison, you've got yourself a winning combo of nutrition AND taste! #eatbettereatbison
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Find our Lean Ground @sobeys across Canada and our Extra Lean Ground exclusively @costco_canada. Visit Where-to-Buy for all our retailers and get your bison on! 
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #meatballmonday #bisonrecipes #easymeals #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #healthyprotein #ketomeals #kidfriendlyfood #nextlevelnutrition #healthysnackfood #sustainableproducts
Coast to coast, our customers know there's more to Coast to coast, our customers know there's more to bison than great taste!🌾🌎
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Compared to many other proteins, bison meat is more nutritionally dense. And we know every bite counts when it comes to fuelling your body! Raised without hormones or antibiotics, while regenerating the grasslands they graze on...now that's a #goodfoodstory
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #healthyprotein #bison #grassraised #ranchtoplate #sustainableproducts #eatwellbewell #nutritiousfood
Who wants some tasty Bison and Barley Soup for din Who wants some tasty Bison and Barley Soup for dinner? #comfortfood
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Get cookin' with Canada's Favourite Female Grillmasters @maddieandkiki 😀 This economical recipe features our Bison Steak Cubes – a perfect way to stretch your meal budget without compromising on taste or nutrition! #eatbettereatbison
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You can find all this great recipes on our website, along with where to buy our grass-raised sustainable products #recipesonline
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#canadianbison #noblepremiumbison #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #regenerativebynature #eatwellbewell #soupsisters #whatscooking #easymeals #healthyprotein #maddieandkiki
Hello 2023! Who wants to WIN some NOBLE PREMIUM BI Hello 2023! Who wants to WIN some NOBLE PREMIUM BISON?! 
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Here's to a new year and new ways to eat a little #healthier - with bison! Raised naturally on Canada's grassland, bison meat is loaded with nutrients your body needs, and nothing you don't! All our #sustainableproducts are free of hormones, antibiotics and additives 😀 #eatbettereatbison
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We love putting our great tasting products on your table, so ENTER now! Here's how:
👉 FOLLOW @noblepremiumbison and @maddieandkiki (Canada's top female grillmasters who LOVE to cook bison)
👉 LIKE this post and TAG 2 friends who need some Noble Premium Bison NOW!
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Giveaway closes on January 31, 2023. Valid for Canadian residents ONLY. This contest is in no way affiliated with Instagram Inc. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Winner will be contacted via DM.
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#canadianbison #noblepremiumbison #bisonmeat #bison #themeat2eat #regenerativebynature #grassraised #healthyprotein #onthegrill #bbqfamily #bbqlife #maddieandkiki #grillmasters
It’s Monday y’all…let’s make some #meatbal It’s Monday y’all…let’s make some #meatballs! Start with Noble Premium Lean or Extra Lean Ground Bison, your favourite recipe, and get rollin’ #eatbettereatbison
New year, new recipes! And this bison biriyani is New year, new recipes! And this bison biriyani is definitely labour you’ll love🧡
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Don’t be put off by all the steps - we guarantee the work will be worth it! The easiest part is starting with #noblepremiumbison steak cubes and the best part is the smiles around your table 😋
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Find the recipe online, along with loads of other ways to #eatbettereatbison
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#canadianbison #bison #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #eatwellbewell #biriyani #biryani #bisonrecipes #recipesonline #maddieandkiki
Check all the boxes - with Noble Premium Bison!
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✅ Ranch raised on grass
✅ No hormones, antibiotics or additives
✅ High in iron, nutrient-dense
✅ Never frozen, always fresh
✅ Rich taste, not gamey
✅ Sustainable products
✅ Available at retail across Canada
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Looking to shop for products that are good for you, and the planet? Try bison, nature’s original plant based protein 🌾 To find our products, visit Where-Buy on our website for a retailer nearest you #regenerativebynature 
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bison #bisonmeat #eatbettereatbison #themeat2eatandsavetheplanet #grassraised #allnatural #cdnag #canadianfarmers
Monday means it’s prime time for some #meatloaf Monday means it’s prime time for some #meatloaf 🤗
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Can you believe we don’t have a recipe for bison meatloaf on our website ?! #sad
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We’ve got meat pies #meatballs and even mini sloppy joes! But nothing for meatloaf - only one of the most classic of comfort foods ever concocted!
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So if you’ve got a sworn to secrecy family recipe passed down from generation to generation that you think would work great with ground bison, we’re all ears! And we promise not to tell grandma 😉
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #themeat2eat #pureprotein #bison #leanmeat #grassraised #ranchtotable #bisonrecipes #eatbettereatbison @sobeys @costco_canada @longosmarkets @safewaycanada
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