Nanton area ranch receives award
Emerald award winner - Plateau Cattle Company was recently presented with the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award by Alberta Beef Producers. Photo by Kara Mastel/Alberta Beef Producers
By Alberta Beef Producers
Alberta Beef Producers recently announced John Smith, Laura Laing and Plateau Cattle Co., are the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award. This award recognizes exceptional commitment to sustainable ranching practices and contributions to the beef industry.
Plateau Cattle Co. operates on a ranch established in 1959 by John Smith’s grandparents, John and Shirley Hay. The Hays were instrumental in advancing the Canadian Hereford breed. John and Laura, who took over the ranch in 2016, continue the legacy of innovation and excellence.
John and Laura graze their herd in the Mt. Livingstone Range and are active members of the Spruce and Waldron Grazing Cooperatives. In 2018, they installed an Internet tower to improve connectivity for their business and neighbouring ranches. Their open-door policy fosters education and mentorship in sustainable ranching.
Home to 450 black angus and black angus cross cows, Plateau Cattle Co. is committed to improving cattle health and welfare.
They have adopted innovative handling techniques inspired by Dr. Temple Grandin, enhancing animal welfare and operational efficiency.
Their commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability is reflected in their numerous certifications, including the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and Verified Beef Production Plus.
The 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award is supported by Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
The Environmental Stewardship Award is presented annually to cattle producers who exemplify environmentally sustainable cattle production.
Alberta cattle producers nominate the best of their peers for this award, which has become one of the most prestigious in the industry.
A panel of agriculture and conservation representatives 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.