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-grier-families
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; 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 drought-prone 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 long-term 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-ron-kim-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-profile-saskatchewan-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-manitoba-connor-kyla-english-brian-leanne-english
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-will-and-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-victor-drury
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
For a PDF of the release, click here