The Minnesota Buffalo Association (MnBA) exists today to assist its members to promote the magnificent beast the American Buffalo (Bison).
A group of Minnesota buffalo producers established the MnBA in 1993.
MnBA members have developed the association into multiple components. Members, an enthusiastic, dedicated group, contribute countless volunteer hours towards MnBA projects. Simply stated, in the bison industry, the association is known as the "mover & shaker".
Today, the association's membership includes producers, enthusiasts, veterinarians, and meat sellers, suppliers of feed, equipment and website development. Membership reaches well beyond the Minnesota borders, enjoying memberships from 10 additional states. The cohesive mixture represented creates a diversity of innovative ideas that fortify the ever-expanding endeavors of the MnBA.
Currently, the year kicks off with the association sponsoring the ACF Junior Chef Competition held during the Upper Midwest Restaurant Show (UP Show). It presents the opportunity to expose culinary students to the fabulous flavor of buffalo meat along with exposure to the 10,000+ restaurant attendees.
In the spring of the year, there is the annual educational conference. A member, rotating the location around the state year after year, hosts the conference. Two and a half days filled with great speakers, food, fellowship and a whole lot of "Buffalo Talk".
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Summer takes MnBA on the road to Farm Fest, in Gilfillan, MN followed by the Minnesota State Fair. At these events, members staff the booth promoting raising bison and the fabulous flavor of buffalo meat and explore with visitors the bison's historical importance. Handouts at the booth include a promotional tabloid that directs the consumer to the various offerings of our members. Promotion one could not begin to pay for!
Activity continues into fall when several members celebrate the season with "Open Ranches" for the public.
The year wraps up with the only bison auction in the Upper Midwest held in Albany, MN. Held annually the Saturday following Thanksgiving, the auction has two segments. First sold are the consignments to the Legends of the Fall, a judged show, where members present their fine breeding stock to buyers. Minnesota's Harvest production sale consignments follow the judged animals.
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