Bison Producers:

According to the 2006 Census numbers released today, bison numbers grew by from 144,950 head to 195,728 head between 2001 and 2006 - a 35% increase. By region the growth rates are as follows: BC - 41%, Alberta - 23%, Saskatchewan - 65%, Manitoba 46%, Ontario - 9% and Quebec - 3%. In terms of bison farm numbers, nationally there was a slight increase in numbers from 1,887 in 2001 to 1,898 in 2006. All regions experienced slight growth except for Alberta where the number of farms declined from 950 to 869. The information is provided below. Should you want more census information go to: http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/95-629-XIE/1/1.27.htm

Bison Population and Bison Farm Numbers-2006, 2001 and 1996 Census
	# of Head 1996	# of Farms 1996	# of Head 2001	# of Farms 2001	# of Head 2006	# of Farms 2006
British Columbia	6,245	57	8,964	98	12656	121
Alberta	22,782	334	79,821	950	97366	869
Saskatchewan	7,006	175	34,781	562	57395	597
Manitoba	4,621	73	13,437	157	19609	166
Ontario	2,344	46	3,755	58	4106	71
Quebec	2,236	56	4,192	58	4322	69
Maritimes	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	274	5
Total	45,235	745	144,950	1887	195728	1898