B.C. ranching families receive national environmental stewardship award

The Miller and Grier families of Chilco Ranch-Miller Ranches in Hanceville, B.C., were announced as the 2026 recipients of the Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) national Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).

The award was presented during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg. Chilco Ranch–Miller Ranches was selected from six regional nominees from across Canada.

A fourth-generation family operation, Chilco Ranch–Miller Ranches manages approximately 1,000 Hereford cow-calf pairs across 170,000 acres. The operation combines long-standing ranching practices with approaches including rotational grazing, soil health improvements and water-monitoring technology.

According to CCA, the families’ management places an emphasis on protecting wildlife habitat, aquatic ecosystems and riparian areas while maintaining an efficient working ranch. Future plans include exploring virtual fencing and drones and continuing to enhance water systems.

“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,” said Karla Hicks, Chair of CCA’s Environment Committee.

Alberta represented by Walton Land and Cattle

Alberta’s regional Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) recipients, the Waltons, operate in Special Area No. 2.

The family is being recognized for their long-term approach to managing grasslands, water and wildlife habitat in one of Alberta’s drought-prone regions.

The Waltons’ operation spans approximately 8,800 acres and supports about 300 cow-calf pairs. The Waltons have focused on conservation enhancing grazing practices and annual re-grassing efforts while maintaining native prairie and shelterbelts.

Water management has also been a major focus. The family has developed approximately 21 kilometres of water distribution infrastructure, helping improve grazing distribution while reducing pressure on natural water sources.

The ranch provides habitat for wildlife including sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge. Across generations, the Walton family has taken a long-term approach to managing the operation, with an emphasis on maintaining healthy grasslands and building resilience to drought.

Learn more about Ron and Kim Walton and Alberta’s 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award.

Six operations recognized across Canada

Along with Chilco Ranch–Miller Ranches and the Waltons, the 2026 regional TESA nominees included: Ralph and Linda Corcoran of Saskatchewan; English Ranching Ltd. of Manitoba; MacArthur Farms of Ontario; and Drury Farm of Quebec.

TESA has recognized Canadian cattle producers for environmental stewardship since 1996. Provincial recipients advance as nominees for the national award, which recognizes producers whose management and conservation practices provide positive examples for the cattle industry and the broader public.

The program marks its 30th anniversary in 2026.

Learn more about the 2026 national TESA recipient and regional nominees through the Canadian Cattle Association.