The 2026 Ontario Pasture Award and the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award highlight producer innovation across grazing systems, soil health, and responsible herd management.
Two Ontario beef operations earn top 2026 awards for pasture and environmental excellence.
At the Beef Farmers of Ontario’s (BFO) 64th annual general meeting banquet in Toronto on February 18, 2026, two standout Ontario beef operations were recognized for their commitment to sustainable grazing, forage management, and environmental stewardship.
Silver Springs Farms received the 2026 Ontario Pasture Award, and MacArthur Farms was named the 2026 Ontario recipient of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).
Robert and Emily McKinlay of Silver Springs Farms in Ravenna, Ontario, were selected for the Ontario Pasture Award in recognition of their environmental improvements and strong pasture management practices.
In recognition of their environmental improvements and exceptional pasture management, the McKinlays received a $500 cash award and a bag of forage seed courtesy of global forage seed company DLF. The family manages two herds across Ravenna and Manitoulin Island, supported by more than 800 acres of pasture and a long‑standing focus on forage quality, genetic selection, and land stewardship.
Scott Fisher of DLF praised the operation’s scale and innovation, stating, “I think it is quite something to have an enterprise operate at this scale in two locations, highlighted by pasture management and cover crop grazing, even though each site has different yet complementary management approaches.”
Patricia Ellingwood of the Ontario Forage Council added that the award reflects the McKinlays’ “outstanding commitment to exemplary pasture management and their dedication to building productive, resilient forage systems.”
Also recognized this year were Will and Tara MacArthur of MacArthur Farms in Woodville, Ontario, who received The Environmental Stewardship Award, sponsored by RBC Royal Bank.
Their operation includes 470 acres of rotational pasture and grazing land, with cattle grazing for approximately 320 days each year. The MacArthurs have implemented extensive waterway protection, reduced tillage, and 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices to support long‑term soil and water health.
“For us, sustainability isn't a trend; it's just how we farm,” said Will MacArthur. “If you look after your soil and manage your pastures properly, everything else falls into place.”
BFO President Jason Leblond emphasized their leadership, noting, “The MacArthurs demonstrate that caring for cattle and caring for the land go hand in hand.”
The Beef Farmers of Ontario represents the province’s beef producers, advocating for a sustainable, profitable, and resilient beef sector. BFO supports farmers through policy development, research, market growth, and leadership initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s beef industry. For more information, visit www.ontariobeef.com.