MINNEAPOLIS – The deep snow blanketing the Midwest prairie didn't bother the bison on Ed Eichten's ranch one bit. The hardy animals evolved to survive – even thrive – year-round on the open range, and with their big heads, they can plow right through drifts 5-feet tall or more.
The majestic beasts are a hot commodity these days, as consumer demand for healthy meat has sent prices soaring. But although bison are what one rancher calls "a self-care animal," most farmers are struggling to increase their herds and keep up with demand.
"We can sell out of an animal in less than two weeks," said Carie Starr, who owns the Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch in Thornville, Ohio, with her husband, Jarrod. "A harvest (of a single bison) used to last at least six weeks, but now the demand is so high we have customers that will buy out everything we have."
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