Buffalo Nation - 320999 views

Are Tanka buffalo grass-fed?

By Mark A. Tilsen, Sr., President, Native American Natural Foods
Follow Tanka Bar on Twitter @tankabar
Read Mark's bio here


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We currently buy our buffalo from a variety of sources. Our goal is to buy 100% Native American grass-fed buffalo raised following the wild model.

This means that the buffalo are born and raised in large open prairies eating natural grass from prairie land that has never been tilled or planted. Animals are rotated to simulate the natural migration of buffalo as much as possible. This helps them to eat the different grasses during different grazing sessions, similar to how they have grazed throughout history. The ability to follow a wild management model is limited by modern fences and a limited land base.

Since the Tanka Bar is a blended product, we blend 10/90 lean meat from animals 2 to 3 years old with that of meat from older animals 5 to 6 years old. These are either bulls or females that are no longer producing offspring.

We are working toward having 100% grass-fed meat, meaning that the animals were never given corn or blended feed. Even during the staging process, we want them to be fed hay or feed cake made of 100% natural grasses.

We presently use about 75% grass-fed meat in Tanka products, which means we have not yet achieved our goal of 100% grass-fed.


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Previous Comments
Elaine Leas on Tue Mar 12, 2019 14:51:10
Are these entrepreneurs part of an indigenous tribe, or is this another case of identity appropriation? Its great that you want to make food as the Indigenous do, but are they being given any of the proceeds from this product? I have tons of questions, but these are the most important..
Elaine Leas on Tue Mar 12, 2019 14:50:36
Are these entrepreneurs part of an indigenous tribe, or is this another case of identity appropriation? Its great that you want to make food as the Indigenous do, but are they being given any of the proceeds from this product? I have tons of questions, but these are the most important..
Guest on Wed Feb 1, 2017 1:15:19
Is the corn NON-GMO? And are the spices used completely without gluten? Thanks
Guest on Thu Aug 18, 2016 16:19:33
I really appreciate this mission and am inspired to consider all sources of my food and striving to primitive and sustainable methods of production. I am more than happy to support Tanka, even at 75% grass fed because frankly, our food is more than just the buzz words associated with Whole Foods consumers (like organic, all natural, and grass fed.)

Thank you for having goals that will benefit our future economy, children, animals, and the environment we live.

Rather than be turned away by your honesty, I will search for Tanka products in the grocery stores I visit in the hope that my business will help you reach your ethical production goals! Thank you for being a role model in the food industry, I'm more than happy to support you with my dollar knowing that I will be a part of the movement that helps you achieve your food production goals.
Guest on Sat Mar 5, 2016 15:56:22
Any update here? Like other commenters, I'm interested in your product but need to know where the remaining 25% of meat comes from (and how close you've come to meeting the 100% grass-fed goal). Thank you!
Guest on Sat Oct 25, 2014 16:3:4
Grass fed grass finish please.
As soon as you can
Thank you for your honesty
Guest on Wed Aug 27, 2014 20:0:23
So, what's the life of the other 25% and what do they eat?
Guest on Mon Mar 10, 2014 7:57:44
Any idea of when your going to reach that goal of 100%?
Guest on Thu Jan 30, 2014 12:8:21
Definitely keep us informed on when your 100%, I cannot order until your there. Thanks