W
elcome to the 20th anniversary of the Dakota Territory Buffalo Association!
I remember sitting in that first
organizational meeting, January 27, 1996 in the Civic Center right here in Rapid City, South Dakota with my new
bride Suzi in tow. Eagerly I listened to all the enthusiastic folks that had gathered. After a rather short discussion
and show of consensus, it was decided that all in attendance were in agreement that ‘Yes’; we should organize as a
REGIONAL buffalo association; and that was the birth of this splendid family of bison enthusiasts. Of course soon to
follow was the opportunity to showcase the wonderful buffalo that these ranches were producing.
The following winter the first annual Black Hills Buffalo Classic Show & Sale was held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic
Center in Rapid City, SD. 2016 will mark the 19th year that the DTBA has hosted this opportunity to showcase the best
of the membership’s bison.
We have had challenges and opportunities along the trail. However, I must say that this group of people that I have
had the pleasure to work with over the years is without doubt the finest folks in the business. Each person has their
specialty, with the dedication and commitment from all of them each year, this spectacular event is hosted during the
Black Hills Stock Show. The “Classic” has evolved throughout the years; from a show and sale to this year’s offering of
the Young Guns and Girlz Gone Wild Challenges!
One item that has always been at the forefront is that this association of producers has not been intimidated to
always take the ‘safe’ trail; we have challenged and changed for the always-changing market. That, I would say is why
we are the ‘Producer’s Association’!! Your board and membership is always looking to the future, what new territory
are we looking to now?
This year’s Young Guns Yearling Breeding Bull Challenge offerings are
the top 31 bulls from a group of 77 bulls
that were hosted by Slim Buttes Buffalo Ranch of Buffalo, SD. These 31 select bulls are the culmination of 16 consign-
ors from 4 states.
The bulls are from a representation from over 4,600+ cows total from these
producers’ herds. That’s the top 1.4 % from the 2014 calf crop!!!
The Girlz Gone Wild Two Year Old Bred Heifer Challenge will showcase
41 bred heifers from 13 consignors in 4
states.
Heartland Bison of Rugby, ND hosted these heifers.
This select group of 41 bred heifers is the top
representation of nearly 4500+ cows from these producers’ herds. That’s a representation of
the top 1.8% from the 2013 calf crop!!
There’s not much more that can be said about what the offerings in the challenges represent; they are a select group
of the best bison in the world!
As these competitions have progressed they have presented many ‘challenges’ to your committee. The show and
sale committee is continually striving to improve the challenges. Our desire is to encourage participation from more
producers. I challenge you to enter an animal into the challenges and compare it to the averages accumulated from
the group. The statistics will ‘challenge’ you to evaluate your program.
Happy Trails!!!
Chad Kremer, DTBA Show & Sale Chairman
It’s Always A Challe ge...
