Alberta cattle producers connect with diners through Alberta on the Plate

Behind every great Alberta beef dish are the local cattle producers who make it possible.

From August 8–17, ranchers from across the province take centre stage during Alberta on the Plate’s ten-day Dine Around festival.

Timed to coincide with Local Food Week — which celebrates the contributions of local farmers, ranchers, and food processors — Dine Around brings diners closer to the people and stories behind their meals. Participating restaurants, from casual neighbourhood spots to fine dining rooms, serve special menus showcasing Alberta-produced food, drink, and ingredients.

As a proud sponsor, Alberta Beef Producers supports Alberta on the Plate’s mission to connect consumers with agriculture through the restaurant industry — building on conversations sparked by initiatives like Alberta Open Farm Days.

Here’s a look at some of the cattle producers featured in this year’s Dine Around, along with the restaurants where you can taste their beef as part of the festivities.

The Munton family (Benchmark Angus Beef)

The Munton family has a rich tradition of producing high quality Angus beef from their ranch located near Warner, Alberta. The family, headed by Michael Munton alongside wife Daicya, son Lincoln and daughter Lexi (shown in our photo), is currently in its fourth generation in ranching, with a focus on productive and efficient cattle. The Munton’s take pride in producing beef that continuously exceeds industry standards, providing consumers with premium tenderness and taste.

Benchmark Angus Beef
Try it at: Modern Steak (tenderloin)

The Ball family (Brant Lake Wagyu)

The Ball family runs Brant Lake Cattle Company, a multi-generation operation specializing in Wagyu beef. Jack Ball introduced the breed to Canada in the early 1990s, and his son Jeff, daughter-in-law Michelle, and grandson Brandon have grown that legacy into a branded beef program. They breed fullblood Wagyu bulls into their Angus-based herd, farm about 4,000 acres of grain, and operate a 15,000-head feedlot near Brant, Alberta—raising and marketing premium Wagyu from start to finish.

Brant Lake Wagyu
Try it at: Board ‘n’ Barrel (beef), The Wilde on 27 (tenderloin)

The Nonay family (Lakeside Farmstead)

Lakeside Farmstead based in Sturgeon County, Alberta, is run by brothers Dave & Dan Nonay and stems from the original farm in Spruce Grove founded by their parents, Michael and Louise. Among a variety of offerings, the farmstead produces high-quality beef for local restaurants and retail outlets.

Nonay Beef / Lakeside Farmstead (Sturgeon County)
Try it at: Coterie (tongue), Fu’s Repair Shop (beef stock bones), Jack’s Burger Shack (patty)

The Hamilton family (Sunworks Farm)

Sunworks Farm is the home of Ron and Sheila Hamilton located near Armena, AIberta. The farm produces grass-finished beef utilizing time-controlled grazing in the summer as part of its pasture management approach.

Sunworks Farm (Armena)
Try it at: Belgravia Hub (chicken), The Marc (beef tenderloin)

Calvin Raessler (Top Grass Cattle Company)

This ranch located near Drumheller, Alberta, has built its connection with consumers by highlighting how its cattle graze some of the most productive and beautiful landscapes in the world, fuelled by the pristine land, water and air of Alberta. Founded in 2004 by Calvin Raessler at the base of the Handhills, Top Grass Cattle Company is dedicated to regenerative agriculture. Raessler uses a rotational grazing system across 34 paddocks to enhance soil health and biodiversity.

Top Grass Cattle Company (Drumheller)
Try it at: River Café (striploin)

Simard Butcher (featuring local Peace River beef)

Simard Butcher prides itself on a close relationship with local beef producers in the Peace River region. It supplies beef carefully sourced from these local producers and processed at its shop in Falher, Alberta.

Simard Butcher (Peace River)
Try it at: Board ‘n’ Barrel (smoked brisket)

Additional local processors participating in Dine Around

Big Bend Market (Red Deer)
Try it at: Bo’s Bar & Stage (beef sirloin, bison)

Black Apron Beef Company (Lacombe)
Try it at: Business & Pleasure (chuck flats)

Centennial Meats (Edmonton)
Try it at: Stone Peak at Overlander Mountain Lodge (flat iron steak)

North Country Meats (Whitecourt)
Try it at: ORO Trattoria (striploin)

Pre Pak Meats (Calgary)
Try it at: Calcutta Cricket Club (tenderloin), Southland Yard (ribeye, brisket)

Regina’s Fine Meats (Calgary)
Try it at: Rain Dog Bar (flat iron steak)

Thank you to all of the participating beef producers & processors and everyone else who makes Dine Around a successful initiative in support of our relationship with consumers.