This Year's Recipient

Levis, Quebec – The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to announce Don and Geraldine Bettle, Passekeag Holdings Inc, located near Passekeag, New Brunswick as the recipient of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for 2025. 

Don and Geraldine Bettle have been farming for nearly 50 years at Passekeag. Together, they run Passekeag Holdings Inc., a 70-head Angus-based cow herd on a land base next to the Kennebecasis River. Since Don’s youth, the river has been a vital part of the farm, inspiring his dedication to protecting the water, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat.

The Bettles use a paddock rotational grazing system to promote forage regrowth and soil health, along with soil testing, lime application, and winter bale grazing to improve marginal land. In response to changing climate patterns, they’ve adapted forage species and grazing timing.

The Bettles have set aside 300 acres of wetland in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited and the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee to promote conservation. Waterfowl have been encouraged with the installation of duck nesting boxes. The protection of natural habitats helps to support hawks, swallows, beavers, otters, mink, and various fish species. Wildlife corridors have naturally developed through land clearings between wooded areas, allowing animals to move safely while reducing pressure on fencing and encouraging habitat continuity.

“The Bettles show incredible respect for the land and environment and demonstrate every day how Canadian beef producers support grasslands and protect homes for birds, wildlife, pollinators and fish. We had seven very worthy nominees who show outstanding leadership and dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices. We congratulate and celebrate all of their practices and efforts.”

Mike Duguid
Co-Chair, CCA’s Environment Committee

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; John and Maria Duynisveld, the 2024 TESA recipients from Nova Scotia; and Lynn Grant, CCA Environment Committee Co-Chair.

About the TESA

The TESA recipient is awarded annually by CCA at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and has recognized the outstanding stewardship efforts of Canadian beef producers since 1996.