Central Plains Bison Inc., a bison farm located in St. Claude, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Bill Lenton Memorial Award by the Manitoba Bison Association, recognizing the operation’s dedication, commitment and service within the bison farming industry.
Earle’s and McInnes’ three daughter look out into their bison ranch
Bobbie Earle and Jamie McInnes own the farm after McInnes realized he wanted to work in agriculture but wanted to pursue something different. He began researching bison ranching and established Central Plains Bison in 2000.
Now a side venture — with Earle working as a teacher and McInnes as a welder — the pair have grown their meat business over the years, selling products at markets across Manitoba. In 2020, they introduced an online store and began offering curbside deliveries. Since 2024, their focus has shifted entirely to online orders, with curbside and ranch pickup available for customers. They currently have approximately 250 bison on their farm.
“The bison industry is currently strong and the demand for meat products has never been better,” Earle said. “We have fallen in love with the animals and consider it a blessing to be able to look out our kitchen window and see them in our backyard.”
She added that bison are easy to care for, calve easily and rarely require medical intervention. They are also able to withstand Manitoba winters. Their ease of care is what drew Earle and McInnes to bison farming.
“Farming is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for first-generation farmers, with elevated land prices and constantly increasing costs for inputs, equipment and fuel,” Earle noted. “Bison farming is more of a hobby for us, as we enjoy giving the animals the best life possible while they are here with us.”
Describing bison farming as more “mainstream” now than it was 25 years ago, the pair say they are proud to have helped raise awareness of the industry by putting meat on thousands of people’s plates. They ensure their operations run as smoothly as possible by improving infrastructure when needed, maintaining the animals as nature intended, and providing top-quality food and clean drinking water.
“For 26 years, we have dealt with the highs and the lows of the agriculture industry,” Earle said. “We both work off the farm to make ends meet and somehow we have made it happen every year. We put in the work with early mornings, late nights and weekends — whatever it takes. We work great as a team and are proud of how far we have come.”
Their most recent milestone, they say, is receiving the Bill Lenton Memorial Award — something that came as a total surprise.
“To be acknowledged by a group of producers who have been leaders in the industry is such an honour. The trophy holds the names of significant bison producers in Manitoba, and to be given that same honour feels amazing.”
Bill Lenton was one of the earliest commercial bison ranchers in Manitoba and is described as a “driving force” for provincial and national bison associations, helping open the gate to international bison shipping. Earle and McInnes even purchased their squeeze chute and two original breeding bulls from Lenton’s ranch.
The award was presented to Central Plains Bison in Yorkton, Sask., at the Manitoba Bison Association (MBA) and Saskatchewan Bison Association No Borders Bison Show, Sale and Convention after being nominated by MBA board members. While Earle is the current MBA president and has served on the board since 2019, director Nolan Miller and vice-president Bridie Ritchie presented the award and said that because of Central Plains Bison’s dedication to the industry, the operation was more than deserving of the honour.
“They volunteer endless hours for the association and the bison industry, from promoting bison meat through their online off-farm marketing to volunteering on the Manitoba Bison Association board of directors and managing the association’s website,” Miller said. “Not to mention all the organizing of the MBA’s events.”
Ritchie added that Earle stepping up as president came during a time of need.
“We are a close-knit association and she brings a plate full of great ideas, organization and care,” she said. “Winning this award means you are recognized not only by the association, but by your friends — it comes from the heart.”
Earle hopes that if Lenton were here today, he would notice the grit, determination and love they have for bison.
They are grateful for the support they have received from the bison ranching community throughout the years, noting they are “like family.”
“The list of people who have walked beside us would be very long, but they know who they are,” Earle added.
Looking ahead, they hope their daughters will one day take over the operation. Their eldest daughter, nine, has already expressed interest, according to Earle.
“To see it passed down to the next generation would be something we would be very proud of.”
