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Northeastern Wisconsin doesn't have the large bison herds found in parts of western Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota and the Dakotas.
But the handful of local farmers who raise bison (also called buffalo or American buffalo) say people who are more careful about what they put into their mouths are spurring an increase in business.
The meat has 2.4 grams of fat in a 3.5-ounce serving, compared with 7.4 grams of fat in skinless chicken and 10.1 grams in beef, according to the National Bison Association. Besides being lower in fat, cholesterol and calories than beef, pork, chicken or salmon, bison has more iron and is high in protein.
"There's no hormones or anything going into the animal but grass," said Greg Schmitz, herdsman for the 1,000-acre Silver Bison Ranch, Baldwin, in western Wisconsin. "You get the true flavor of what the animal is."
Larry Limberg, who has operated Ellisville Bison, Luxemburg, since 1997, said he doubled his business in 2008 compared to any other year he's been in business.
"My impression is - this salmonella thing (with peanut-related products) is a good example - the people who are calling me are a lot more concerned about where it lives, who is processing it and what's in it."
Customers often ask about use of growth hormones and pesticides, Limberg said.
"People are looking for something that comes locally, but the people I'm getting aren't necessarily looking for the organic - just for something a little more natural."
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