OUR STORY

Over thirty years ago, we acquired the property because there were no farms left in this part of the state. Unfortunately, farming has become more difficult to sustain due to rising cost of labor, equipment and supplies. In 1995, another goal of Rivervail Farm was to introduce bison to northern NH because they are environmentally friendly, spiritual to native Americans and provide a more sustainable lifestyle because bison do not require a lot of maintenance.
So, the story began with 600 acres of land, a small bison herd and an electric fence. What we quickly learned is not only do you have to build strong fencing to successfully raise bison but lots of fencing so the bison can roam freely.


 

After thirty years, we have been able to combine the original Isley Dairy farm property and the Damm property into a single ranch. Today, Rivervail Ranch proudly manages over 1,000 acres of lush pasture, woodlands, and hedge rows, providing a sanctuary for wildlife.


 

Rivervail Ranch continues to humanely raise bison along with elk and red stag (European elk) for meat sales with minimal human intervention. Both the bison and elk live symbiotically as they create and maintain wonderful pastures..
We have met our goal in maintaining a sustainable farm, restoring a bison herd and offering the community a truly organic source of meat. Our meats are one-hundred percent pasture raised, and grass-fed. Bison and elk meats offer a far better source of nutrition. Bison meat is higher in protein, iron, B-vitamins and unsaturated fats; omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are essential.

 

This year marks the opening our premier pheasant hunting and fly fishing nature preserve by membership. Rivervail Ranch offers simple, elegant on-site lodging accommodations from our restored farmhouse, Damm House Inn that sleeps 10 people to our rustic stream-side cabins for two. Agritourism offerings include cross-country skiing, trail cycling and hiking. Soon we will be incorporating special farm-to-table events. We wish to share our experience of the glory and gifts that nature brings nestled in the heart of Errol, New Hampshire.