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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
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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Time to try bison! Visit Where-Buy on our website for a retailer nearest you #eatbettereatbison
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Safe grilling out there BBQ family! 😀 ⠀⠀⠀ Safe grilling out there BBQ family! 😀
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For many folks, May long is the real start of BBQ season. So after you’re done cleaning those grills and prepping your work space, head on over to our website for some bison inspiration! We’ve got recipes for every cut and every craving 😋 
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Visit Where-to-Buy to find all our #sustainable products across 🇨🇦
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Visit Where-to-Buy to find @sobeys near you! #eatb Visit Where-to-Buy to find @sobeys near you! #eatbettereatbison #canadianbison #noblepremiumbison #pureprotein #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #bisonrecipes #bbqseason #getgrilling #whatsfordinner #bisonsteak
Athletes and trainers know - the quality of your p Athletes and trainers know - the quality of your protein counts 🦬
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Bison meat is nutritionally one of the best proteins you can eat. At Noble, we pasture-raise our bison on grass without the use of growth hormones or antibiotics. Feel good about the meat you eat and fuel up with bison #eatbettereatbison #gobeyondbeef
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Visit Where-To-Buy to find our sustainably-raised products near you 😃 Recipes online!
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #themeat2eat #nutritionistapproved #pureprotein #fitnessfoods #bisonsteak #bisonmeat #bisonrecipes @canadianbisonassociation #canadianbisonassociation
You don’t have to be a guy to grill, so Mom? Her You don’t have to be a guy to grill, so Mom? Here’s a high five to you this Mother’s Day! 
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One of the reasons we’ve teamed up with Canada’s favourite female #grillmasters is because these ladies don’t want anybody to be intimidated by the BBQ. @maddieandkiki take the guesswork out of grilling, and encourage everyone to master their skills!
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Check out all the great bison recipes from M&K on our website! From Bison Bennies to Biryani, Shakshuka to Reverse-Seared Steak Salad, master your grill skills and learn some new ones! 
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Here’s to the next generation of #girlscangrill 😃
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #getgrilling #bbqfamily #bbq #bbqlovers #bbqlife #whatsonyourplate #maddieandkiki
Noble Premium Bison joins Land to Market, the worl Noble Premium Bison joins Land to Market, the world’s first verified sourcing solution for regenerative agriculture 🌱 #landtomarket

As part of an ongoing commitment to address climate change and heal the planet, we’re aligning with a recognized leader in land health. 

We’ve been practicing regenerative agriculture on our ranches in Canada since we started raising bison. We know that improving land health doesn’t happen overnight—it takes years of dedication and commitment to really make a difference. We’re excited to work with Land to Market and use the scientific protocol, Ecological Outcome VerificationTM (EOV) to help us go beyond our own learnings. Our goal is to create a healthier environment by targeting the grazing lands using science-based management knowledge, and to share those measurable outcomes with our producer partners.

More info in the Bison Blog on our website or click the LINK IN BIO.

#noblepremiumbison #regenerativebynature #holisticmanagement #regenerativeagriculture #sustainableproducts #canadianbison #bison #eatbettereatbison #goodforyougoodfortheplanet #canadianbison #cdnag
Best thing about Monday? Bison meatballs!
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Meatballs really are a meal planning bonanza! You can make a big batch at one time, especially with our Extra Lean Ground Bison tri-pack from @costco_canada 😃
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Want a meatball hack? Put each pack in a different bowl, mix up different spices and seasoning in the 3 bowls, keep what you need for dinner and freeze the rest! 
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When you make your #meatballs with Noble Premium Bison, you get everything you want in a nutrient-dense protein! Meat that’s antibiotic/hormone free,  sustainably-raised on Canadian grasslands 🇨🇦 #eatbettereatbison
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #homegrownfood #bisonmeat #bison #meatballmonday #themeat2eat #pureprotein #regenerativebynature #sustainableproducts #eatwellbewell
Time to stock up on your favourite Canadian ground Time to stock up on your favourite Canadian ground bison meat!
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Through May 5th, head on over to Sobeys and pick up a single pack of our Lean Ground bison for $7.99, or buy two and pay $5.50 each 😀 From burgers to empanadas, tacos to terrine, we've got dozens of ways for you to enjoy delicious, nutritious bison 💯 #eatbettereatbison
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #canadianmade #bisonmeat #recipes #groundbison #healthymeat #themeat2eat #nohormones #noantibiotics #noadditives #pureprotein #eatwellbewell @sobeys
Tacos, tostados and carnitas taste even better wit Tacos, tostados and carnitas taste even better with bison! 🌮
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Find the #recipes and Where-To-Buy on our website, and make #tacotuesday one to remember! 🥳
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #tacos #tostados #carnitas #bisonmeat #themeat2eat #sustainableproducts #eatbettereatbison #tacotime #bisonrecipes
It’s always Earth Day around here #earthday2023 It’s always Earth Day around here #earthday2023 #investinourplanet #noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #regenerativebynature
It’s the WEEKEND! What’s going on YOUR grill?! It’s the WEEKEND! What’s going on YOUR grill?! #eatbettereatbison
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There is nothing better than a Noble Premium Bison steak to get your grill as pumped about the weekend as you are! 🥳 And if the weather’s not cooperating for an outdoor cook, we’ve got dozens of #bisonrecipes to get you inspired in the kitchen! 
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Head on over to our website for Where to Buy Noble…and get your bison on! 
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#noblepremiumbison #canadianbison #bisonmeat #bisonsteak #pureprotein #themeat2eat #grassraised #farmtoplate #cdnag #bbqlife #bbqfamily #bbqtime
You loved our Extra Lean Ground Bison double pack You loved our Extra Lean Ground Bison double pack so much, we’ve made it a 3-pack! #eatbettereatbison @costco_canada
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