Be unapologetically direct when standing up for our industry

The Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) is an annual award presented by Alberta Beef Producers to recognize farms and ranchland managers across the province whose natural resource stewardship practices contribute to the environment and enhance productivity and profitability.

The award has been presented since 1992 and has since become one of the most prestigious in the industry. The recipient of the 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award was award to Doug and Linda, and Tim and Joanne Wray of Wray Ranch, located near Irricana, AB. This family business is raising cattle on land that Doug Wray’s grandfather purchased when they arrived in the Irricana area in 1910.

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Originally operating as a mixed farm for 80 years, the family transitioned to a grazing operation in the late
1990s, guided by attending a Ranching for Profit school, joining the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association (FFGA) and their own children heading off in different directions. They converted former cropland into high-legume perennial pastureland, implemented 20-acre paddocks for more frequent pasture rotations and continuously adapt their practices.

Today, the fourth generation of the Wray family is managing the ranch. Doug’s nephew, Tim and his wife,
Joanne returned to the ranch in 2015, where they live with their three children.

The Wrays not only received the ESA award but also won the national Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA). The recognition brought forward some excellent learning opportunities and experiences for the ranch, enabling them to attend Alberta Beef Industry Conference (ABIC), the Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) and host various tours throughout the year.

“For us having spent a lifetime raising cattle, the genuine support we received from our peers for receiving the ESA was very gratifying,” says Linda Wray. “We have always felt our cattle were in many ways ‘good’ for our environment. This recognition and support has empowered us to – as Brian Burke advised at CBIC – be unapologetically direct in standing up for our industry.”

As for what is next for the ranch, Doug says it is a continual learning journey to understand the natural
processes at play on their ranch. Staying relevant is what will help them manage and unleash their full potential, he says. As Tim adds, they have also been exploring different options for the ranch.

“I have been exploring Stewardship Ownership as a way of structuring business success and capital
investment. Rethinking how capital is used for both the viability of farm operations, ecological, and social
value of these landscapes allows stakeholders – both specific and broad – to recognize and reward those
who steward them,” Tim explains.

In terms of advice for their peers, the Wrays emphasize taking the time and initiative to nominate individuals who are doing an excellent job of stewarding their environment. They believe that nominations foster a culture of recognition, encouraging a broader and more diverse range of individuals to be acknowledged for their outstanding contributions.

“We would not have received this award if Brenda Ralston and Andrea Hanson had not done
the work to put our name forward,” says Doug. “It was a very enjoyable experience.”

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Have someone in mind? Nominations for the award are
currently open and will remain so until March 15, 2024.
Interested parties can nominate deserving individuals
here.

This article was first published in Volume 4 Issue 1 of ABP Magazine (February 2024). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.