 |
igh Park Elk Ranch was started in 1993 as an
effort to try and make a small acreage profitable in an agriculture related
field. |
| However, raising elk is not a get rich over night
endeavor but a long term commitment that requires a substantial start up
investment. With animals costing in the thousands of dollars and fencing at 2 to
3 dollars a running foot it required a great deal of thought and research.
In 1993, seven breed cows were purchased and 5 acres fenced
with a target goal of 100 animals. There are now 83 elk on the ranch and around
150 acres under fence. The target goal has been hard to reach with demand and
high prices making it difficult to resist selling some of them. The elk industry
is one of the fastest growing industries today. During the early 90's there were
only a few dozen elk ranches across the United States and Canada. Today there
are roughly 3,000 ranches raising elk, with more than 140 of these ranches in
Colorado.
The economic benefits of raising elk are quite diversified.
The demand for quality breeding stock is still quite high and probably always
will be. The meat market is very well established although, there are not enough
animals in North America yet to meet this demand so most of that meat is
imported from New Zealand. With over 150,000 elk now being raised commercially
ranchers are starting to make their presence known in the meat market. In
addition, the demand for large trophy bulls going to the recreational hunting
ranches has increased significantly in the last couple of years. |
|
Probably the most intriguing aspect of raising elk is the
velvet antler market. Bull elk antlers are shed and re-grown each year. The
antler is removed at an early stage of growth with no harm to the animal and the
process that takes about 10 minutes. A part of the antler referred to as the
burr is left on the animal and this is cast off in February and March and the
re-growth starts again. This velvet antler product is then processed and sold.
Originally, the largest market was the Asian countries which have used the
product for over 2000 years as a medicinal supplement. Now most of the velvet
antler product is being consumed in the United States as a health aid
supplement. It has now been scientifically proven to relieve problems associated
with arthritis as well as other bone joint concerns. The product also has been
shown to benefit a woman's health system and to increase energy levels.
In Colorado, elk ranching is regulated by the Department of
Agriculture, both in herd inventory and fencing requirements. Herd inventory is
regulated and monitored by the state board of inspection and the local brand
inspector. Very stringent health standards are regulated by the Colorado State
Veterinarians office and implemented by local and state veterinarians. But at
High Park Elk Ranch the day to day chores of raising elk are done by Dan and Ann
with help on occasions from friends and neighbors.  |
