Turner Ranches FAQ
How large are Mr. Turner’s landholdings?
Mr. Turner is one of the largest individual landowners in North America, with approximately two million acres of personal and ranch land in nine U.S. states.
How many ranches does Mr. Turner own?
Mr. Turner owns 14 ranches located in six states (CO, KS, MT, NE, NM, SD).
Will he continue to concentrate his ranching activities in the western states? Why?
Yes, Mr. Turner plans to continue to concentrate his ranching activities in the western Great Plains states because this is the environment most conducive to raising bison.
When did Mr. Turner start ranching?
Mr. Turner purchased his first bison in 1976 and his first ranch (The Bar None in Montana) in 1987.
What is Mr. Turner’s standpoint on environmental protection vs. productive ranching enterprises?
Mr. Turner’s commitment to the environment is consistent with the management philosophy of his ranches and properties. The mission statement of Turner Enterprises, Inc. is “to manage Turner lands in an economically sustainable and ecologically sensitive manner while promoting the conservation of native species.” This philosophy allows natural processes to take precedence, but still recognizes the “hand of man.” Turner Enterprises, Inc. strives for management that is both ecologically sensitive and commercially sustainable.
How is Mr. Turner’s land “used”?
All of the Turner ranches feature one or more of the following: bison ranching, commercial hunting or fishing and limited sustainable timber harvesting.
How many bison are in Turner’s herd?
The Turner bison herd across 14 ranches is comprised of approximately 45,000 bison, which is the largest private herd in the world.
Where can I find more information about the bison industry and bison meat?
The bison industry is a viable meat business, which serves to ensure the survival of the species. The bison meat supply has been growing steadily over the last ten years, as consumers become better acquainted with the health, nutrition and taste advantages of bison meat. For more information on bison meat, please visit: Great Range Bison.
Bison are handled as little as possible. They spend most of their lives on grass, much as they always have, with a portion of time on a concentrated feed ration to ensure consistent quality. The Code of Ethics of the National Bison Association prohibits the use of growth hormones in bison production, and bison industry protocols further prohibit the use of sub-therapeutic antibiotics and animal by-products. Nutritional studies conducted at North Dakota State University reveal that bison meat is a highly nutrient-dense food because of the proportion of protein, fat, mineral, and fatty acids to its caloric value. Comparisons to other meat sources have also shown that bison meat has a greater concentration of iron, as well as some of the essential fatty acids necessary for human well-being. For more information on bison history and products, please visit the National Bison Association’s website.