Elk Farming Industry Statistics
Industry Representation
The North American Elk Breeders Association, or NAEBA, is a 501(c)(5) non-profit organization, founded in 1990 to promote and protect the elk farming and ranching industry. NAEBA represents hundreds of elk ranches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The primary goal of the association is to educate its members and the general public about the rewards and opportunities that are available through participation in the industry as a legitimate diversified agricultural pursuit. NAEBA is recognized by federal authorities as the voice of the industry, as well as Allied Industry Status in the United States Animal Health Association.
NAEBA serves its members in many ways, including the maintenance of a purebred elk registry, international antler competition and three foundations. Headquartered in Minnesota, NAEBA today has a full-time staff that is governed by a twelve-member board of directors. The membership is divided into regions to ensure proper representation of geographic interest.
Map of NAEBA's Membership Regions
In most states and provinces, elk have been identified as livestock under the local department of agriculture. In addition, many banks and lending institutions recognize elk farming as a viable livestock enterprise.
Health Benefits of Elk Products
Elk products offer many health benefits. Elk venison provides a low-fat, healthy red-meat alternative to beef. Velvet antler, considered a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for more than 2,000 years in Asia and Europe and is gaining popularity in North America as a dietary supplement. Velvet antler has been shown to improve joint health, increase muscular strength, accelerate muscle recovery after workouts, support the immune system and improve overall energy and stamina.
Velvet antler is comprised of more than 40 naturally occurring nutrients including glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, as well as collagen, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, amino acids, essential fatty acids including Omega 3 and Omega 6, and important minerals and trace minerals. Numerous clinical studies have validated the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of arthritis. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study published in The Lancet indicated that glucosamine sulfate improved joint health and can slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Velvet antler is comprised of more than 40 naturally occurring nutrients including glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, as well as collagen, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, amino acids, essential fatty acids including Omega 3 and Omega 6, and important minerals and trace minerals. Numerous clinical studies have validated the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of arthritis. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study published in The Lancet indicated that glucosamine sulfate improved joint health and can slow the progression of osteoarthritis.2