The Minnesota Buffalo Association (MnBA) exists today to assist its members to promote the magnificent beast the American Buffalo (Bison).

MnBA was established in 1993 by a group of buffalo producers under the guidance of Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Minnesota Grown program.

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” amongst bison associations.

Today, the association’s membership includes producers, processors, meat sellers, enthusiasts, veterinarians, equipment suppliers 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.

Early in the year, the Association’s very active Promotion-Education committee hit the road and can be seen around the state promoting bison in countless venues; schools, community events, FFA’s State Convention and Farm Shows to just name a few.

Then just when Spring is beginning to present herself there is an explosion of bison camaraderie at the Association’s 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”.

Summer takes MnBA on the road to the Minnesota State Fair for twelve consecutive days. Members staff the booth promoting raising bison, the fabulous flavor of buffalo meat and explore with booth 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!

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 animal sale consignments follow the judged animals.