Head Office #180, 6815 – 8th Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7 Phone: (403) 275-8558 Email: contact@cattle.ca
Ottawa Office #1101, 350 Sparks St. Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8 Phone: (613) 233-9375
News Release CCA Announces National Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient from British Columbia August 19, 2026
Winnipeg, MB — The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to announce the Miller and Grier families of Chilco Ranch–Miller Ranches, located in Hanceville, British Columbia as the recipient of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for 2026. Chilco Ranch–Miller Ranches is a fourth-generation family operation in Hanceville that blends traditional ranching values with modern innovation. Managing 1,000 pairs of Hereford cattle across 170,000 acres, the Miller and Grier families prioritize sustainability through rotational grazing, soil health improvement, and careful land stewardship. Advanced water-monitoring technology helps protect wildlife, aquatic ecosystems, and riparian areas while supporting efficient ranch management. Deep community involvement, including participation in local organizations and 4-H, reflects their commitment to future generations. Looking ahead, the ranch plans to adopt virtual fencing, drones, and enhance water systems, ensuring long-term conservation, efficiency, and family-centered sustainability. To learn more about the Miller and Grier families and their operation, visit https://cancattle.wixsite.com/cattle/post/2026-tesa-nominee-profile-british-columbia-miller-grierfamilies The award was presented in-person by Karla Hicks, Chair of CCA’s Environment Committee and Kelleen Tait, Partner, and National Leader for Livestock Services, with MNP at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference banquet. Chilco Ranch–Miller Ranches was one of six regional nominees from across Canada vying to be named the national recipient. “On behalf of the Canadian Cattle Association’s Environment Committee, I am incredibly pleased to congratulate the Miller and Grier families of Chilco Ranch—Miller Ranches on being named the 2026 National TESA recipient,” says Hicks. “Their story is a wonderful example of what environmental stewardship looks like on a working ranch—four generations of knowledge and experience combined with an openness to new ideas, technology and partnerships. From thoughtful grazing management and innovative water stewardship to their commitment to wildlife habitat, community and the next generation, they demonstrate that sustainability is not a single practice or project, but an ongoing way of managing the land and caring for the resources entrusted to us. Chilco and Miller Ranches represents the very best of Canadian ranching: deeply rooted in tradition, continually improving, and looking confidently toward the future.” CCA thanks our Platinum Sponsor MNP, and our Foundational Partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Birds Canada, and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), for supporting this year’s TESA program. CCA would also like to recognize the contributions of our judging committee, Karli Reimer with Ducks Unlimited Canada; Brad Downey with the Alberta Conservation Association; Ian Cook with Birds Canada; Norine Ambrose with Cows & Fish; The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Head Office #180, 6815 – 8th Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7 Phone: (403) 275-8558 Email: contact@cattle.ca
Ottawa Office #1101, 350 Sparks St. Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8 Phone: (613) 233-9375
Monica Hadarits with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef; Don and Geraldine Bettle, the 2025 TESA recipients from New Brunswick; and Karla Hicks, CCA Environment Committee Chair.
About the Regional Nominees Alberta — Walton Land and Cattle: Walton Land and Cattle, located in Alberta’s droughtprone Special Area No. 2, demonstrates how environmental stewardship and agricultural success can work hand in hand. Spanning 8,800 acres with 300 head of cow calf pairs, the Walton family has built resilience through conservative grazing, annual regrassing efforts, and a 21-kilometre water distribution system. Their commitment to preserving native prairie, shelterbelts, and wildlife habitat supports diverse species, including sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge. Guided by generations of experience, they manage the land with a longterm perspective, prioritizing ecosystem health, drought resilience, and conservation to leave a stronger legacy for future generations. Learn more at https://cancattle.wixsite.com/cattle/post/2026-tesa-nominee-profile-alberta-ronkim-walton Saskatchewan — Ralph and Linda Corcoran: Ralph and Linda Corcoran built their ranching legacy from a few cows on rented land into a thriving operation focused on holistic management and sustainability. After converting all cultivated land to grass, they adopted high stock density grazing and planned pasture rotations, improving forage productivity, biodiversity, and soil health. Their stewardship philosophy balances people, land, and profits, supported by adaptive grazing plans and ongoing research partnerships. The ranch’s success has been measured through increased bird populations, improved ecosystem health, and resilience during challenging periods such as the BSE crisis. In 2026, they passed the ranch to grandson Ty, ensuring their conservation-minded legacy continues. Learn more at https://cancattle.wixsite.com/cattle/post/2026-tesa-nominee-profilesaskatchewan-ralph-linda-corcoran Manitoba — English Ranching Ltd: The English family has farmed in Manitoba since 1898 and has built a six-generation operation focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable grazing. Managing nearly 1,100 acres and a herd of 320 breeding cows, they use total grazing practices that emphasize high-density, short-duration grazing, soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. Cattle are moved frequently, riparian areas are protected through fencing and pipeline-fed water systems, and innovative practices such as cover crops and diverted grocery waste reduce environmental impact. Looking ahead, the family plans to expand water infrastructure, shelterbelts, and potentially adopt virtual fencing, ensuring resilience while preserving a legacy of stewardship and adaptation. Learn more at https://cancattle.wixsite.com/cattle/post/2026-tesa-nominee-profile-manitobaconnor-kyla-english-brian-leanne-english
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Head Office #180, 6815 – 8th Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7 Phone: (403) 275-8558 Email: contact@cattle.ca
Ottawa Office #1101, 350 Sparks St. Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8 Phone: (613) 233-9375
Ontario — MacArthur Farms: The MacArthur family has built a sustainable and profitable farming operation by embracing extended grazing, soil health, and natural livestock management. Led by Will MacArthur’s commitment to challenging conventional practices, the farm manages about 100 cow-calf pairs, stocker cattle, poultry, and crop acres while keeping cattle grazing for more than 300 days each year. Through rotational grazing, cover crops, virtual fencing, and water stewardship, they reduce inputs and improve environmental outcomes. Partnerships with industry organizations and mentors have supported their progress. Guided by a philosophy of working with nature, the MacArthurs aim to leave the land healthier and more resilient for future generations. Learn more at https://cancattle.wixsite.com/cattle/post/2026-tesa-nominee-profile-ontario-willand-tara-macarthur Quebec — Drury Farm: The Drury family has built a regenerative cattle operation in Quebec’s Outaouais region through innovation, stewardship, and a commitment to leaving the land better than they found it. Since purchasing the original 200 acres in 1974, the farm has grown to 900 owned acres, supporting 300 Red Angus cows. Rotational grazing, zero-tillage management, composting, and an extensive water system have improved forage productivity, soil health, and environmental outcomes. The family actively supports wildlife habitat, pollinator initiatives, and community engagement while exploring new opportunities such as virtual fencing and forestry partnerships. Their success demonstrates how collaboration, sustainability, and open-minded management can strengthen both agriculture and ecosystems. Learn more at https://cancattle.wixsite.com/cattle/post/2026-tesa-nominee-profile-quebec-victordrury
About TESA Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. At the local level, a producer receives provincial recognition for their outstanding contributions. These recipients move forward as nominees for national recognition from the CCA. The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA semi-annual meeting. CCA will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the TESA program in 2026.
For further information, contact: Tina Zakowsky, Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| zakowskyt@cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release August 19, 2026
Dr. Bart Lardner Receives 2026 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research A nationally and internationally recognized leader in beef cattle management and forage production has been recognized with one of the Canadian beef industry’s top honours. Dr. Bart Lardner is the recipient of the 2026 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. “Dr. Lardner’s research has helped producers reduce costs while maintaining performance and profitability,” said Dean Manning, chair of the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and a beef producer near Falmouth, Nova Scotia. “Committing to ensure beef producers see value from research investment while supporting the next generation is greatly respected and appreciated.” Dr. Lardner is a professor and researcher at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources and is the current Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program Chair in Cow-Calf and Forage Systems. His work focuses on the management and nutritional requirements of cow-calf, replacement heifers and feeder animals. University of Saskatchewan Adjunct Professor Dr. Breeanna Kelln and BCRC Science and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist Stacey Domolewski presented Dr. Bart Lardner with the 2026 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg. For more than two decades, Dr. Lardner’s applied research has shaped everyday practices on Western Canadian farms and ranches—from winter grazing and bale feeding to water quality management and heifer development. He is passionate about conducting research to generate recommendations on practices and technologies for cowcalf and forage producers to advance their productivity and profitability while supporting long-term sustainability. With every study he leads, he aims to consider the implications for beef production.
“Dr. Lardner’s ability to work across disciplines is impressive,” said Dr. Jeff Schoenau from the University of Saskatchewan. “Bart has spent his career conducting applied research to advance the cow-calf and forage sectors. His research on field feeding has led to the practice becoming commonplace in Western Canada, while research on the impacts of water quality from 20 years ago is still being used today to develop decision tools for producers.” Dr. Lardner’s research emphasizes lowering production costs while maintaining profitability, with lasting impacts on grazing systems, forage use and management decisions. His water quality studies showed up to 9% higher weight gains, leading to widespread adoption of off-site watering systems now supported by government programs. He introduced forage varieties and validated delayed swathing for winter grazing, increasing yield and adding 30 grazing days. In addition, his work challenged traditional heifer development by showing breeding at 55% of mature weight maintains fertility while saving $60 per head. After 20 years as the senior research scientist at the Western Beef Development Centre, Dr. Lardner moved his robust research program to the University of Saskatchewan’s Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence. “As a researcher, he understands the importance of building the next generation of highly qualified professionals, having supervised over 20 graduate students. He knows the importance of multidisciplinary research and builds collaborations among soil scientists, veterinarians, plant breeders, engineers, economists and producers to ensure research questions are examined from all angles,” says Saskatchewan beef producer Charlotte Ward. “As a cow-calf producer myself, I have seen the positive impact of his research on improving the profitability and sustainability of my operation.” Beyond his prolific research, Dr. Lardner is highly regarded for teaching and mentoring future researchers. He leads an active graduate program, supervising over 25 graduate and numerous undergraduate students. His students are in high demand, often receiving multiple job offers before graduation—a testament to the quality of his mentorship and industry respect. Dr. Lardner is passionate about beef and forage extension and has delivered more than 400 invited presentations throughout Western Canada and the northern United States. He has also travelled to similar latitudes around the world— Mongolia, China, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden and Finland—to teach and extend his research on cow-calf nutrition and forage and pasture management. “Bart’s career has focused on conducting applied research to advance the cow-calf and forage sectors of the beef industry,” says Jeremy Brown, beef producer and member of the Saskatchewan Forage Council. “His ability to apply scientific rigor to the evaluation of new technologies and practices, while utilizing
well-established recommendations to ensure producers can make informed decisions about the adoption of a practice or technology, is just one of the reasons he is such a well-respected and sought-after guest speaker and industry resource.” The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation is presented by the BCRC on behalf of Canada’s beef industry. The award recognizes scientists and academics who are actively involved in strong research programs aligned with industry priorities, continually engaged with industry stakeholders and demonstrate their passion and long-term commitment through leadership, teamwork and mentorship. Nominations are accepted by the BCRC from industry stakeholders and must be accompanied by letters of support from industry and scientific colleagues. The recipient is selected by a committee comprised of beef producers, industry experts and retired beef-related researchers located across the country. The award was established in 2015. See past recipients. ### For further information, contact: Laura Monchuk Communications Specialist Beef Cattle Research Council monchukl@beefresearch.ca