Thunder Heart Bison

Animal Welfare Approved

In April Thunder Heart Bison was certified by the Animal Welfare Institute as Animal Welfare Approved (AWA). We are now the only bison ranch in the United States to meet the stringent and exacting requirements of the AWA. Among other criteria this certification requires that we allow our animals to free range and have access to pasture at all times. In addition to this we also do not wean our calves, but instead allow the natural family groups of the herd to develop at their own pace.

Obtaining AWA certification is the gold standard for both producers and consumers. It guarantees the consumer that the meat they are buying has been both humanely raised and harvested.

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We demand the ultimate sacrifice of animals raised for food. Humans owe them a humane and dignified existence in return. The Animal Welfare Institute is setting the gold standard for how farm animals should be taken care of. I've worked closely with them for years and have seen their independence and deep commitment to humane animal farming. How these animals live affects us all because good animal husbandry provides wholesome food and protects our air, water, and landscapes.
—Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Family farmers are the heart of this great country. And at their heart is a deep love and respect for the land and the animals they raise. The Animal Welfare Approved seal is a badge of honor for family farmers, since their attention to the health and well-being of their animals results in humane practices that serve as a model for all.
—Willie Nelson, legendary singer/songwriter

Grass-Fed Texas Buffalo

The Thunder Heart Philosophy

Thunder Heart Bison believes in no uncertain terms that

You are what you eat.

Bison are what they eat, as well. And meat from the grass-fed Bison is vastly superior to that from grain-fed animals. With that guiding principle, we raise Bison whose health and powerful immune systems are legendary. Healthy animals pass along those properties of health to anyone lucky enough to consume their meat.

Bison meat in general has more protein, iron and nutrients — but less fat and fewer calories — than beef and chicken. The flavor is sweet and robust, never gamey.

We treat our animals with respect. They are free-ranging over 13,000 acres of South Texas grassland, never confined to feed-lots, never injected with or fed growth hormones, steroids, or other supplements. Our philosophy is one of minimal interference with our herd.

To ensure the quality of our product and reduce stress, all animals are field-harvested under the supervision of a licensed inspector from the Texas Department of Health.

The result? Thunder Heart Bison produces the absolute finest, premium-grade Bison meat available —the purest protein on the planet.

By adhering to the path of the natural world in raising our animals, we are creating a model for long term sustainability and biodiversity. This concept of sustainability and restorative practices is also exemplified by the cultural rebirth of those who have lived on this land for thousands of years.

An explanation of the benefits of a healthy diet that includes bison protein
More about the Shape Ranch

2007 Gallo Gold Medal Award Winner

galloaward Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards Honors the Finest Artisanal Food Producers Throughout the United States

After an extensive national search and meticulous judging process to unearth the county's top artisanal food producers, Gallo Family Vineyards announced in April the winners of the 2007 Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Medal Awards program.

Thunder Heart Bison was the winner of the Outstanding Meat and Charcuterie category.