The Iola Kiwanis Club welcomed Noah Gordon to its Tuesday meeting, who shared about his bison operation north of Kincaid.
Gordon and his family have a small herd on the Broken Arrow Bison ranch and plan to grow it as a cow-calf operation. He chronicles his venture and shares education through a YouTube channel, Broken Arrow Bison. The bison raising community, Gordon said, is very helpful and always willing to share experiences with each other to raise awareness and help independent operations grow.
Gordon taught Kiwanians about nomenclature — bison versus buffalo — as well as history of the species and subspecies in North America, the massacre of buffalo populations throughout history, efforts by state and national bison organizations, superior qualities of buffalo meat and physical characteristics of the animals.
For instance, bison trachea are quadruple normal size, allowing for instant acceleration to top speeds of 40 miles per hour and great endurance in running; they can jump six and one-half feet from a standstill; their thick coats protect them in extreme winter weather and are shed in hot weather; calves are up and walking 30 minutes after birth.
The Iola Kiwanis Club meets weekly, noon Tuesdays, at the college and welcomes interest in membership. Call President John Shields, (620) 365-2700, or email [email protected] for more information.
