Connecticut bison farm becoming a tourist destination

As bison continues making a comeback across the U.S., a booming bison business at Creamery Brook Bison's farm in Brooklyn, Connecticut, is seeing an increase in visitors.

When the number of visitors increased, Debbie Tanner, who owns the farm with her husband, said she realized that her husband’s childhood dream of owning bison was also an “agri-tourism” opportunity, an article on the American Farm Bureau Federation said.

In 1990, the Tanner family began with five bison. Today they have a full fledged herd of nearly 100, combined with cows, a few bulls for reproduction and many young bulls and heifers, the article said. The farm also is home to a peacock, emu, pony and dairy cows.

Early in their career as bison producers, the Tanners received many inquiries about purchasing bison meat. This resulted in the couple selling products from bison raised by other producers, the article said.

But now the herd’s growth has given them the opportunity to offer their own bison meat, from tenderloin to sausage. The farm sells bison products at its store, and the family also sells their products at select festivals and fairs, the article said.

Guests to the farm can take wagon tours and explore the bison field and handling facilities. Last October, the farm held what it called a Walktober Event and guests were treated to bison, wild rice and barley soup. And on certain weekends, visitors are offered a bison burger lunch, the article said.

In addition to being on the American Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee, Tanner is the Connecticut Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee chair.