Funding through the USDA Food Distribution Program for Indian Reservations will support small and mid-size bison herd managers to deliver product to tribal communities. Encouraging local purchase will reduce transportation costs and improve market opportunities for tribal and local bison operations. Partners in the pilot project include the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. These entities will cooperate with Dakota Pure Bison Inc.
USDA Agricultural Marketing Services has awarded bison contracts to five tribal groups and will enhance procurement and distribution of bison products.