A bison farm? We're in Delaware people; Delaware doesn't have bison...or does it? Point of fact it does-- and it has since 1984 (at least when it comes to the Colvine Farm). Bobby Collins, the big kahuna of bison, bought four heifers and a bull during a business trip to Kansas. 27 years later and the Collins have a herd of approximately 70 head! Oh yeah. Colvine Farm started out as a hobby, but took on a life of its own. I'm not going to lie, I was pretty pumped about this visit-I mean would I ever get this chance again? Short of heading west to where the buffalo roam, probably not. When I arrived at Buffalo Road, I was greeted by Bobbi. Not the big kahuna-himself, but his daughter, Bobbi with an I. It's a family thing. Bobbi and her husband work alongside her father on the farm. It's an impressive operation; we're talking bison people...in Delaware! (I really cant stress that enough) Anyway, we hopped in the gator and away we went. She drove me down to their main herd, complete with adults and babies-excuse me, calves! Lighter in color and smaller in size it was easy to distinguish who was who, even from a distance. The bison at this farm are grass fed and grain finished. Huh? It means what is says. The bison eat only grass, until the last 90-160 days of their life when grain is introduced resulting in the said "finish". I would be much sadder if it didn't make for a bigger bison with some very tasty meat. Could that be the reason chef Dennis uses bison meat at the Brew Pub? Absolutely! He knows how good this stuff is, "You tell me buffalo is not indigenous to Delaware. Boo I say!" I couldn't help but ask if I could roam to take some photos. I have to say, if you've never been within feet of a 2,000 pound bison, you're not living! With each click of the camera they moved closer and closer. It wasn't long until I felt like some of them were posing for me, "work it, work it, now you're angry, you're a tiger, that's it, perfect!" It was a glorious day, and an awesome visit, but after 105 pictures, it was time for me to hightail it out of there. But you better believe I left hungry...and oddly craving a burger. Here I come Dennis!

27 years-- going strong

i see you.

work it.

follow the buffalo.

posted 7/20/2011