Celebrating commitment to environmental stewardship in cattle production
Presented annually, the Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) goes to a cattle producer or operation that best exemplifies environmentally sustainable cattle production. Alberta cattle producers nominate their peers for this award, which has become one of the most prestigious in the industry. A panel of representatives from conservation and agriculture assess the candidates, examining the stewardship goals and activities of the nominees including land management, water quality, wildlife, animal welfare and leadership activities in the community related to stewardship.
Environmental Stewardship Award nominations are accepted from mid-November to March 15. Sign up to our email communications to receive a notification and further details in the fall.
Taylor Ranches – 2024
On the Alberta-Montana border, set above the surrounding plains, is a unique expanse of glacial-formed prairie grasslands. Known as the Milk River Ridge, the area features rolling fescue hills, with pockets of wetlands that provide critical habitat to many sensitive and at-risk species of wildlife.
On the northern slope of the ridge, west of Warner, Alberta, Robert and Audrey Taylor sit for a second at the family table over coffee, light music playing in the background. Their house is set to the side in a yard dedicated to farm life.
And while the house and yard provide a welcoming stop for a visit, it’s clear ‘home’ for the Taylors stretches far beyond that.
