North Bridger Bison
A Sustainable Bison Ranch in Montana
At North Bridger Bison, located in the Shields Valley of Montana, the Skoglund family runs a sustainable bison ranch. Nestled against the North Bridger Mountains, the ranch is surrounded by a vast expanse of grass and sagebrush. Here, they raise bison with a commitment to providing healthy, delicious, and regenerative bison meat that is humanely field-harvested.
Harmony with the Landscape
Bison, as native herbivores and icons of the West, naturally belong in this landscape. At North Bridger Bison, the Skoglund family takes great pride in raising bison and providing meat that is not only healthy for consumers but also beneficial for the land. They abide by the founding principle that nature is in charge, as it provides sunshine and water to grow the grass that bison feed on.
Regenerative Agriculture and Holistic Management
North Bridger Bison follows management practices rooted in Regenerative Agriculture and Holistic Management principles. Through these approaches, the bison on their ranch play a vital role in building and improving the quality of the soil. Additionally, they help increase water retention, enhance grass diversity, and reduce climate change by storing carbon in the soil. Remarkably, this harmonious cycle is driven by the five pillars of sunshine, water, soil, grass, and bison.
A Thriving Ecosystem
The ranch serves as a habitat for various bird and wildlife species, fostering a thriving ecosystem. Among the wildlife that call North Bridger Bison home are sage grouse, pronghorn antelope, sandhill cranes, coyotes, mule deer, wolves, moose, mountain lions, elk, black bears, waterfowl, and songbirds. The Skoglund family's commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond bison farming, encompassing the protection and preservation of the entire ecosystem.
A Holistic Approach to Land Stewardship
North Bridger Bison's ultimate goals go beyond sustainable farming. The Skoglund family strives to improve the land, contribute positively to the environment, provide delicious and healthy meat, promote positive change in the food system, support Montana's economy, and actively participate in their community. With hard work, a deep connection to the land, and a sense of fun along the way, Matt and Sarah Skoglund, along with their children Otto and Greta, play an integral role in managing the ranch.
Strong Community Engagement
Community engagement is at the core of North Bridger Bison's values. Matt Skoglund actively serves as a board member of the Western Sustainability Exchange and the Bozeman Community Food Co-op. He also previously held the position of Vice President of the Montana Bison Association. Sarah Skoglund has dedicated years of her professional career to the Cancer Support Community in Bozeman and currently serves as a board member of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. The Skoglund family believes in the power of community and actively contributes to causes that align with their values.
Conservation Commitment
In April 2022, after extensive planning and hard work, the Skoglund family placed all of their land into a conservation easement with the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. This significant step ensures that their land will be protected from development indefinitely, preserving its natural beauty and ecological integrity for future generations to enjoy.