FACT’s Grants in Action: How Ozark Bison Farm Expanded Pastures for Their Herd

By Katherine Hoke, Humane Farming Program and Communications Assistant

As 2025 Fund-A-Famer applications come in from livestock and poultry farmers all across the country and as 2024 is coming to a close, we are reflecting on some of the funded grant projects that have been completed.

We recently received a project completion report from Ozark Bison, a Bison farm out of Fox, Arkansas. Farmer Rod Chiodini applied for a grant for a large fencing project to increase available pasture land for his herd of approximately 60 bison. Fencing a 20-acre, semi-wooded lot in rocky Arkansas is no small feat. There was a 400 ft section of fencing that required driving steel pipe through solid shale rock with the tremendous force of a tractor post pounder and other sections that required the assistance of a backhoe. Although there were challenges, they persevered and the result is increased welfare for the herd. 

This increased pasture will allow Rod to separate out the calves and yearlings from the older animals, decreasing competition for fresh grass and reducing the pressure on the already existing pasture. What I love about this project, other than seeing the photos of beautiful, giant Bison roaming on well-maintained pasture, is that we could make a difficult, time-consuming project a little bit easier. 

At FACT we know that to advance our vision that all food-producing animals are raised in a humane and healthy manner, we must support the hardworking, humane livestock and poultry farmers who are trying to make that a reality. Your donations to FACT supports farm animals and the farmers who raise them. 

Your donation can go twice as far when you send it in during our Giving Tuesday campaign from now until December 6th. Our board has pledged to match donations of up to $13,150! Make your donation today!