Just fifteen minutes from the center of Geneva, there is an extraordinary farm. Instead of traditional cows and sheep, an impressive herd of bison roams freely. This farm is the result of a long-standing family commitment and is now managed by Kim Girardet in collaboration with her father.
The Beginning of the Bison Story
“Our family started this project in 1990 when we imported our first bison from the United States and Canada,” explains Ms. Girardet. “Since then, bison have become an integral part of our lives. I grew up with them—they are part of me.”
Today, the farm has between 120 and 130 bison, including 45 cows dedicated to reproduction. In addition to bison, the farm is also home to grazing horses and a small number of elk—North American deer.
Farming in Harmony with Nature
The bison on this farm are raised under entirely natural conditions. “They are wild animals that need a lot of space,” says Ms. Girardet. “Here, they are 100% pasture-fed—grazing on grass in summer, while in winter, we feed them hay that we produce ourselves.”
The farming method is extensive, allowing the bison to live in an environment close to their natural habitat. The farm covers about thirty hectares, and Ms. Girardet emphasizes the importance of space for the animals’ well-being.
“They cannot live in confined spaces like cows or other domestic animals. Bison are wild and require special attention,” she points out.
Meat Production and Preserving Tradition
Although bison farming is the farm’s main activity, a significant portion of production is dedicated to meat processing. “We distribute all our production through local butchers like Maître Boucher and Meaty. These companies then sell our meat to restaurants and specialty stores.”
The farm is committed to sustainability and aims to use every part of the animal. “We don’t want anything to go to waste. The hides are tanned and used for decoration, while the skulls are often used for artistic purposes, especially in Native American traditions.”
Natural Reproduction and Herd Growth
There is no artificial insemination or intensive reproductive control on the farm. “We have 45 cows and two males. Everything happens naturally, without human intervention,” explains Ms. Girardet.
The calves are born in the spring, mainly in April and May, after a nine-month gestation period. “The bison is fundamentally a close relative of the cow—they are ruminants and have a similar reproductive cycle,” she adds.
Young males are separated from the main herd between one and a half and two and a half years old when they reach a weight of about 600 kg.
Adapting to the Market
One of the biggest challenges of bison farming in Switzerland is the market. “We are not part of the standard Swiss meat purchasing system, like Proviande or CH Tax. So we had to develop our own distribution network,” explains Ms. Girardet.
The price of bison meat is stable and does not fluctuate with the market, but it is slightly higher than beef. “Our production is specialized, so we do not compete with mass beef production. Our bison are raised more slowly and in natural conditions, which enhances meat quality.”
Ecological Awareness and Sustainability
Since 1998, the farm has not used pesticides or other chemicals. “We work exclusively with natural methods. We produce our own hay and source straw from local farmers who grow wheat and barley,” says Ms. Girardet.
Particular attention is also given to pasture rotation and soil preservation. “We have four different pastures that we rotate regularly to maintain grass quality and reduce the risk of parasites.”
Challenges with State Subsidies
Although bison are technically cattle, the state does not recognize them as such, which poses a problem. “We are not entitled to the same direct subsidies as cattle farmers, something my father has always fought against,” emphasizes Ms. Girardet.
The state also prohibits taking bison to alpine pastures during the summer, even though this would be a natural way of farming. “We are fighting for bison to be treated like other cattle, but it is a long and difficult battle.”
The Future of Agriculture in Geneva
Although Geneva is perceived as an urban canton with little agriculture, Ms. Girardet insists that the reality is different. “Geneva is an urban canton, but many young people want to take over family farms. Agriculture has a future here.”
The Girardet family’s bison farm is an example of sustainable agriculture in Switzerland. Through a respectful approach to farming, an independent distribution model, and natural resource conservation, they manage to combine tradition with modern ecological standards.
“For us, the most important thing is that the animals live as naturally as possible, that nothing is wasted, and that the local community benefits from quality products,” concludes Ms. Girardet.
