Celebrating commitment to environmental stewardship in cattle production
Presented annually, the Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) goes to a cattle producer or operation that best exemplifies environmentally sustainable cattle production. Alberta cattle producers nominate their peers for this award, which has become one of the most prestigious in the industry. A panel of representatives from conservation and agriculture assess the candidates, examining 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.
Environmental Stewardship Award nominations are accepted from mid-November to March 15. Sign up to our email communications to receive a notification and further details in the fall.
Plateau Cattle Co. – 2025
One of John Smith’s favourite places is a short walk from the home he grew up in. It’s high enough that you can see neighbouring towns and the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. It’s a place of beauty and philosophy. At night, you can look one direction to see the intensity of light from growing cities, then turn the other way to see almost complete darkness.
“That’s one of my favourite spots,” he says, “and it’s almost a philosophical thing – that you see what’s coming and you see what’s behind you.”
That respect for the past and hope for the future is something he shares with his wife and business partner, Laura Laing. It permeates every facet of their operation, from the art on the walls to the management decisions that guide Plateau Cattle Co.
