Access a detailed version of our comprehensive standards in the documents below or reference this quick, at-a-glance overview of the key standards being met at each certification level to understand which level could be achievable for your farm or ranch.
Calves, yearlings, backgrounders must be kept on pasture
Market animals can be kept in feeder pens for finishing only
Feeder pens must have lots of space, provide bison with a clean and dry place to lie, and have scratching posts
No physical alterations permitted
Specific weaning requirements
Transport duration must not exceed 20 hours
NO LEVEL 2 STANDARD FOR BISON
NO LEVEL 3 STANDARD FOR BISON
Breeding herds, calves, and finishers must live continuously on pasture
Yearlings must live continuously on pasture
No feedlots or feeder pens permitted
Specific weaning requirements
No physical alterations permitted
Transport duration must not exceed 20 hours
NO LEVEL 5 STANDARD FOR BISON
Breeding herds, calves, finishers, and yearlings must live continuously on pasture
No feedlots permitted
Specific weaning requirements
No physical alterations permitted
No transport time; entire life on same operation
Field harvested or slaughtered at a mobile or on-farm slaughter facility
All levels of certification: No animal by-products | Every farm 3rd party audited every 15 months
Standards in green indicate a new or changed requirement from the previous certification level.