One of the highlights for today at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference will be the announcement of the 2024 National TESA award winners.
The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for their peers and the general public.
Among those competing for the National title is Block Ranching Ltd at Abbey.
Neil Block and his family along with a hired hand run a cow-calf, backgrounder and yearling operation in the Great Sandhills northwest of Swift Current.
The Sandhills are a sensitive and delicate ecosystem that requires very observant management.
The Block family utilizes long rest periods of 12-18 months and stockpiled forages to drought-proof their ranch.
In 2023, Birds Canada completed a bird assessment in which they identified 53 different species; seven of which are federally listed as species at risk – the Sprague’s Pipit, Bobolink and the Baird Sparrow. The ranch is also home to species such as Pronghorn, Elk, Mule Deer, Grey Wolve, and the at-risk Ord’s Kangaroo Rat.
Also competing for the national honor Taylor Ranches located on the Milk River Ridge southwest of Warner Alberta; the Association of Manitoba Community
Pastures which operate 19 former PFRA pastures, Circle H Farms from Ontario, Ecoboeuf from Quebec and Holdanca Farms from the Maritimes.
To hear Glenda Lee's conversation with Neil Block click on the link below.