Sitting on the west slope of the Slim Buttes in South Dakota - an area known for endless scenery, brilliant blue skies and pockets of timbered buttes (isolated hills with steep, vertical slides and a flat top) is the Slim Buttes Bison Ranch. Owned by Sandy and Jacki Limpert, and operated along with their son Brodie and his wife Samantha - this third-generation ranch has been home to native bison for over 15 years. The animals on the ranch thrive in this bison-friendly habitat and the Limperts feel fortunate to share their more than 15,000 acres with them. "People thought we were nuts to start raising bison," says Jacki Limpert, "many probably still do! We raise them for a living, but we have grown to love and revere these animals. We never felt this way raising sheep and cattle. Over the years many people who might never have crossed our path have become dear friends. There's an immediate, unspoken bond and mutual respect among bison ranchers. It's difficult to explain, almost mysterious. These animals have done much more for us than provide a living. They've provided a quality of life."
Thanks to the success of their operation, the Limperts see the bison industry as a way for ranches with good grass to not only survive, but to thrive. Currently, Slim Buttes is home to 500 mother cows. It produces enough grass to grow out 800 - 900 head of bulls and heifers.
Did You Know? The value of buffalo is not what you pay, but what you get in return. Nutritionally you are getting more protein and nutrients with fewer calories and less fat. Buffalo is a dense meat that tends to satisfy you more while eating less.