In 2000, Manitoba's 180 operators had a breeding herd of about 7,900 head, which produced an estimated 6,300 calves. The total number of bison on Manitoba farms in 2000 was about 14,000 head, an increase of 27 percent from the 1999 level. Some of these animals were feeder bulls, the remainder being calves and breeding stock. Sales of breeding stock and calves to the United States, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan increased by 30 percent to more than 600 head in 2000. Much of the bison meat sold in Manitoba is to restaurants.
Producers continue to improve management skills and lower production costs.