{"id":44568,"date":"2025-01-15T12:33:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T19:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/?page_id=44568"},"modified":"2025-10-20T14:23:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T20:23:55","slug":"beginning-producer-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/beginning-producer-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginning Producer Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"secondaryhero\">\n    <div class=\"secondaryhero__content\">\n        <div class=\"secimg\"\n            style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Grazing-Cows-and-Calves-2.0.jpg'); background-size:cover; background-position: center center;\">\n\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/sage\/resources\/images\/secheader_place.png\">\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"greenclip\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/sage\/resources\/images\/sec_top_bk.svg\">\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Beginning Producer Checklist<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Checklist For New Bison Ranches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">Raising bison is a rewarding endeavor that connects you to the land, history, and a growing market. Whether you\u2019re starting with a small herd or dreaming of wide-open pastures, success begins with preparation. This checklist is designed as a starting point. Established bison operations will tell you that having a plan is a great first step, but this animal will teach you new lessons every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having a vision for your operation is important. Before you can begin your journey, ask yourself, \u201cwhy do I want to raise bison?\u201d Answering that question will place you on a clearer path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list checklist\">\n<li>Secure a farm\/ranch business location (whether for purchase, rent or lease).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete the business planning process (production, marketing and financial plans).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a grazing plan: match stocking rates to carrying capacity for the land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select and develop your products and\/or services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Identify a veterinarian with bison experience, if possible.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Join your <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/state-regional-bison-associations\/\">local state\/regional<\/a> bison association along with the <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/nba-membership-options\/\">NBA<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading ltblue\"><strong>Visit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list checklist blue\">\n<li>Attend field days, workshops, courses, or formal education programs to build necessary skills to ensure you can successfully produce your products and\/or services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review your business plans with an advisor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research what resources might be available to support your business and vision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Formally or informally seek mentorship: volunteers who have experience in running and managing bison businesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet with your neighbors to establish a working relationship (this will help if animals get out).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading limegreen\"><strong>Fund<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list checklist green\">\n<li>Secure necessary financing (farm capitalization and operating).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Establish credit with key suppliers. Open farm business bank account(s).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set up farm bookkeeping and record keeping systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"402\" src=\"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM-1024x402.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-113725\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM-1024x402.png 1024w, https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM-300x118.png 300w, https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM-768x302.png 768w, https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM-1536x604.png 1536w, https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM-700x275.png 700w, https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM-600x236.png 600w, https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Screenshot-2025-03-20-at-4.14.33\u202fAM.png 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading orange\"><strong>Build<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list checklist orange\">\n<li>Establish farm legal structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, cooperative).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Register your farm business and get a farm number; obtain a business certificate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obtain tax identification numbers for the farm business: Sales tax, employer\u2019s tax.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acquire necessary permits, licenses, and certifications; prepare to comply with all relevant regulations at the local, state and federal levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purchase necessary insurance like liability, health, life, crop, property, and workers\u2019 compensation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obtain necessary supplies and equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Construct ranch infrastructure: fence, water, corrals etc.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purchase animals once business planning and infrastructure is complete.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading red\"><strong>Sell<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list checklist red\">\n<li>Establish distribution channels\/markets for farm products or live animals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Produce promotional and advertising materials.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore adding and selling value-added products to diversify your offerings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Maintain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list checklist\">\n<li>Schedule routine veterinary care (1-2 times a year at minimum) to maintain vaccinations, monitor for body conditioning, and evaluate for new challenges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track forage quality and supplement with hay and nutrients based on quality of forage (consider testing to verify nutritional content).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep track of important financial information, deadlines, and resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manage: risks, finances, land, and resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Have More Questions? <\/strong>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/faq\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"41658\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a> for additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div\n    class=\"wp-block-columns colorquoteblock is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-4 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex gold\">\n    <div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n        <hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n\n        <div class=\"quote\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\">And the bison business is thriving. The meat is healthier than beef, with more protein and less fat than salmon, and it is also more lucrative for ranchers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n        <p class=\"has-text-align-center caption\">\u2013Bloomberg Businessweek<\/p>\n\n        <hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\">\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:150px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns greenwide narrow is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns homeintrocols is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/nba-membership-options\/\" class=\"nbalinkblock drkgreen nopadleft align\"\n        >\n        <h2>Become a Member<\/h2>\n                    <p>Find the right membership for you. <\/p>\n                <div class=\"homecursor\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/sage\/resources\/images\/homeblock_cursor.svg\">\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left quotetext has-base-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">I joined the NBA to primarily educate myself about bison but I quickly learned I now had a ready resource of experienced bison ranchers willing to help an novice rancher achieve my goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left quotecaption wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2013 Chris Silver, Gold Coast Bison<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><a href=\"https:\/\/members.nationalbison.org\/login\" class=\"nbalinkblock gold  aligncenter\"\n        target=&quot;_blank&quot;>\n        <h2>ALREADY A MEMBER?<\/h2>\n                    <p>Login Now<\/p>\n                <div class=\"homecursor\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/sage\/resources\/images\/homeblock_cursor.svg\">\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"height:21px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>SUBSCRIBE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sign up to receive news of news, projects, resources from the National Bison Association<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"footersignup\">\n    <form action=\"\">\n        <input type=\"email\" name=\"email\" id=\"email\" placeholder=\"Email Address\">\n        <button type=\"submit\">Submit<\/button>\n    <\/form>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Beginning Producer Checklist Checklist For New Bison Ranches Raising bison is a rewarding endeavor that connects you to the land, history, and a growing market. Whether you\u2019re starting with a &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-home.blade.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-44568","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Beginning Producer Checklist - National Bison Association<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/nationalbison.org\/beginning-producer-checklist\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Beginning Producer Checklist - National Bison Association\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Beginning Producer Checklist Checklist For New Bison Ranches Raising bison is a rewarding endeavor that connects you to the land, history, and a growing market. 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