About Us

Bloomin' Prairie Bison is owned and operated by Phil and Kim Barns, and Phil's Father, Warren. Four generations of our family have worked this land, where for many years we raised corn and beans. But in 2000, Warren and Phil seeded 200 acres with native cool and warm season grasses. High tensile fences were erected around the property, and in the spring of 2003, we brought in 100 bison.

We now have 250 animals roaming the ranch in family units, which consist of herd bulls, cows with calves, yearlings, and all offspring from each cow. We do not separate any animals, thereby letting all 250 roam together as they originally did on the prairies years ago.

Warren has lived on this property his entire life. He keeps all the equipment in working order, hays the animals in winter-approximately 3 or 4 large round bales a day-and participates in all the projects, from fencing to waterline replacement. Warren, age 80 plus, enjoys visitors, and will provide a tour of the farm and bison at the drop of a hat.

Phil grew up on the property, and is now back to learn about his heritage along with Kim, a city girl turned country girl. Phil plans and manages the day-to-day activities of the farm, while Kim is responsible for meat and product sales and farm photography. Kim is also sewing home decor items and buffalo hair accessories.

The fourth generation on the farm are Jonathan, Elizabeth, and our newest arrival, Andrew, born in February 2007. Jonathan and Elizabeth already enjoy working on the farm. Jonathan likes to help paint the gates and assemble feeders with his dad and grandpa, while Elizabeth feeds the cats, and rides on the tractor to help check on the buffalo.

We do not yet have a formal tour program, but if you would like to email or give Kim a call, 319-361-1141, we'll see if there is a convenient time for you to visit. You can also see many of Kim's handcrafted decor at several of the area craft shows.