Walton family receives 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) is pleased to announce the Walton family as the recipients of the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA).

The Waltons have operated near Homestead Coulee in Alberta’s Special Area No. 2 since 1911. Ron and his wife Kim are the third generation to run the operation, with the fourth and fifth generations now living and working alongside them as the family transitions management of the ranch.

Today, the operation encompasses approximately 8,800 acres of owned and leased land supporting roughly 300 cow-calf pairs and more than 100 replacement heifers. The family has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to protecting native prairie, re-grassing and maintaining productive forage resources, developing extensive water infrastructure, and creating habitat that supports both livestock production and wildlife.

“Environmental stewardship is about making decisions today that will benefit future generations,” says Doug Roxburgh, Chair of Alberta Beef Producers. “The Walton family exemplifies this approach. Their commitment to grassland health, water management, and responsible grazing has created lasting benefits for both the environment and the long-term sustainability of their operation.”

For Ron Walton, the award reflects values that have guided the ranch for generations.

“If you don’t look after the land, you have nothing,” says Walton. “If you look after it as you go along, it’ll always be there.”

Video

A video feature of this year’s Environmental Stewardship Award recipients is available on YouTube: 

Photos

Please credit the above images to Tia Schram / Seven D Media for Alberta Beef Producers

Please credit the above images to Peakline Films for Alberta Beef Producers.

About ABP’s Environmental Stewardship Award

The Environmental Stewardship Award is presented annually to cattle producers who exemplify environmentally sustainable cattle production. Alberta cattle producers can self-nominate or nominate their peers for this award, which has become one of the most prestigious in the industry.

A panel of agriculture and conservation representatives reviews nominations, considering 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.

About Environmental Stewardship

Alberta cattle producers are committed to producing beef in an environmentally sustainable manner. Through Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), cattle producers support policies, programs and educational efforts that uphold this vision. Through the Environmental Stewardship Award, the cattle community formally recognizes beef producers who have incorporated environmental protection into their management strategies.