CUSTER, S.D. — There’s a demand for bison which is why prices increased this year in the annual bison auction at Custer State Park, said Matt Snyder, the park’s superintendent.
Snyder reported on the auction to the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission at a recent meeting
“Prices were very strong this year,” Snyder said.
The auction prices totaled $885,425 with an average price of $1,836.98 for each bison sold. Last Year’s total was $633,700 at an average $1,272.49.
The state sold 482 bison compared to 498 in 2023.
The auction drew 80 registered bidders and 32 were in-person and 48 were online bidders. The number of online bidders continues to grow, Snyder said.
Drought in some areas prompted interest in the South Dakota auction, Snyder said.
“Guys are hungry for these animals,” Snyder said.
Buyers included those who wanted to start herds or expand herds.
One particular buyer from Texas bought several bison because he wanted grass fed bison, Snyder said.
New grass area has opened to bison after the Legion Lake fire. The grass is growing because of the loss of tree canopy, Snyder said.
Snyder said the park is working with South Dakota State University on tracking and monitoring the buffalo herd.
Overall, grazing conditions have been good at the park. The park will have 975 bison over the winter.
“That’s typical,” Snyder said. “It’s upped by 15 animals because of the conditions.”
Two-year-old breeding bulls got the highest prices this year. Eight bulls were sold at an average price of $5,450. That was followed by two-year grade bulls. Sixteen of those sold for an average price of $3,315.63. Forty-two yearling bulls sold at average $2,2000.
The state also also sold 36 mature bred cows for an average price of $2,438.89 and 38 mature open cows for an average $2,496.05. Eleven two-year-old bred heifers were sold at an average $1,900. Nine two-year-old open heifers sold at average $2,277.78. The state sold 38 yearling heifers at an average of $1,726,32.
Most of the bison sold were light bull calves at 160 for an average price of $1,575. Another 10 heavy bull calves were sold for an average $1,545.
Ten heavy heifer calves sold at an average $1,400 while 104 light heifer calves sold at $1,204.57.
