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Elk Ranching Provides Many Sources Of Income
Jack and Sandy Buchanan along with John and Lisa Virgin all of Jacksonville, Ill., have been raising elk since 1994. They get the most out of their elk using almost every part of the animal. They also market their product in a number of ways to reach the widest audience possible.
  Pea Ridge Ranch started out selling elk meat from a heard of just six, but has grown to an impressive 400 head on 800 acres. They sell meat and other products from the antlers as well as the fencing that's used on the property. They maintain a booth at the Illinois State Fair selling elk burgers and an "Italian Elk Sandwich." They also give guided tours of the ranch.
  The Pea Ridge Ranch has been able to make a profit by utilizing almost every aspect of the Elk. They market a product called Dry Doc, which is a supplement made from whole velvet antler. It supposedly treats arthritis, boosts the immune system and strengthens bones.
  They also have over 23 different elk meat products from pastrami to breakfast sausage. Recently a local pizza place, Butch's Pizza, has agreed to make a venison pizza and distributes pizza and other elk meat all over central Illinois.
  In the course of maintaining the elk ranch, a fencing system was designed to keep the elk in. Over 14 miles of 8-ft. high fence was erected. This has proven so effective that they are now offering their fencing services to other businesses including local vineyards and airports.
  Pea Ridge Ranch has also developed a unique way to get the antlers off the elk. When the antlers need to be sawed off, the elk are moved into an inflatable holding chute. This way the antlers can be painlessly removed without the animal thrashing around, injuring themselves or others.
  Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pea Ridge Elk Ranch, RR 1, Box 9A, Nebo, Ill. 62355 (ph 217 734-1511 or 217 734-2881; email: pearidge@elkranchers.com; website: www.elkranchers.com).


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2004 - Volume #28, Issue #3