Certifications

The 777 Bison Ranch constantly searches for ways to improve the quality and practices of the ranch. Transparency is of utmost importance. Everything is connected in nature as well as our model; from grazing to treatment of the animals to predator mitigation. We practice the ways of the old and embrace the new. If there’s a better way to do it, we’re researching and ultimately implementing those processes and strategies at the 777 Bison Ranch. Below are a few of the 777’s certifications.

The 777 Bison Ranch is the FIRST Bison Operation in the Nation to receive this certification from G.A.P. It reflects our commitment of our humane practices with our animals.

How G.A.P. Defines Animal Welfare:

G.A.P. defines animal welfare using three main components:

• Health and Productivity – raising animals so they’re healthy and productive with good quality feed and water, shelter, and free from disease, illness and injury (and treating animals that get sick).

• Natural Living – raising animals in environments that allow them to express their natural behaviors effectively – both indoors and outdoors

• Emotional Well-Being – raising animals in environments that allow them the ability to be inquisitive and playful and minimize restlessness, frustration, stress and pain, as much as possible.

This definition of animal welfare from G.A.P. guides the development process, impacting the lives of farm animals step-by-step.

AGA’s standards are based on several fundamentals:

FORAGE

AGA-Certified Grassfed ruminant animals are born, raised, and finished on open grass pastures where perennial and annual grasses, forbs, legumes, brassicas, browse and post-harvest crop residue without grain are the sole energy sources, with the exception of mother’s milk, from birth to harvest. Hay, haylage, silage, and ensilage from any of the above sources may be fed to animals while on pasture during periods of inclement weather or low forage quality. Pastured pork standards require unfettered access to pasture and a diet free from GMO grains.

NO CONFINEMENT

AGA-Certified animals must graze pasture where they will receive most, if not all, of their nutrition, and be allowed to fulfill their natural behaviors and basic instincts at all times. The only exceptions to this standard are emergencies that may threaten the safety and well-being of the animals or soil, and management practices such as roundups, sorting, shipping, and weaning.

ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE

Mineral and vitamin supplements may be provided free choice to adjust the animals’ nutrient intake and to correct deficiencies in the total diet energy source. The feeding of animal by-products is prohibited, and no antibiotics, ionophores, or hormones of any type may be administered. Any animal in need of medical attention must be treated to relieve its symptoms. If prohibited medication or antibiotics are required for treatment, the animal must be tagged, identified, and removed from the certified program. Producers will develop and maintain a written record of all vaccines, medications, and/or other substances used in their animal health care program.

AMERICAN ORIGIN AND IDENTIFICATION

Animals eligible for acceptance in the AGA Certified program must be born and raised in the United States of America. Animals must be identified at the earliest opportunity following birth by a producer-determined animal identification system. Each animal’s record must include breed, ear tag or unique identification number, date of birth, and owner. Producer records that trace an animal from birth to harvest must accompany animals when delivered to processor. Genetically engineered and or cloned animals are prohibited.

E.O.V. gives the land a voice of its own, through empirical and tangible outcomes, which in turn provide the farmer with ongoing feedback from which to make better management decisions.

E.O.V. measures and trends key indicators of ecosystem function, which in the aggregate indicate positive or negative trends in the overall health of a landscape. In addition to providing an outcome-based verification of the health of the land base, EOV also provides critical intelligence to the farmer as a steward and manager of the land. By recognizing both land regeneration targets and trends, EOV endorsement and associated incentives are bestowed as long as land health moves in a net positive direction.

For more information on standards of the E.O.V. Certification for the 777 Bison Ranch, Please CLICK HERE

Grassland birds have suffered an unparalleled decline over the past half century, stemming from widespread development of North America’s grasslands. To combat the negative effects of grassland degradations — and to keep grass on the landscape — Audubon has developed the Conservation Ranching Initiative. This market-based conservation approach offers incentives for good grassland stewardship through a certification label on beef and bison products. For the first time, consumers can contribute to grassland conservation efforts by selectively purchasing meat from Audubon-certified farms and ranches, such as the 777 Bison Ranch.

The Audubon certification seal brings a broad market appeal that enhances demand by consumers that want options for meat that is sustainably raised and benefits wildlife habitat.

For more information on the Audubon Certification at the 777 Bison Ranch, please CLICK HERE.

When you or your companion animals discover deliciously healthy bison meat, pet food, or other bison products, you both are providing an incentive for ranchers to bring bison back to native ranges and grasslands across North America.

That’s no small feat. Roughly 135 years ago, only about 750 bison remained from herds that once numbered as high as 40 million. Thanks to people like you, nearly 400,000 bison have been restored. Ranchers, tribal leaders and conservationists have set a goal of restoring 1 million bison to North America. You—as a bison consumer—are a vital partner in that endeavor.

For more information on the Partnership In Bison Certification at the 777 Bison Ranch, please CLICK HERE.