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MacArthur Farms Receives Award in Recognition of Environmental Stewardship
February 19, 2026
(LtoR) Xavier Schickendanz and Ryan Gill, RBC; Tara and Will MacArthur; and Jason Leblond, BFO President
The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is pleased to announce that Will and Tara MacArthur of MacArthur Farms have been named the 2026 Ontario recipients of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA), sponsored by RBC Royal Bank. The award was presented during BFO’s 2026 Annual General Meeting Banquet, held this week in Toronto.
Farming 220 acres of permanent rotational pasture and 250 acres dedicated to grazing, the MacArthurs manage approximately 100 cow-calf pairs, 40 replacement heifers and 20 steers. Their grazing system is carefully designed to optimize pasture productivity and long-term soil health. Cows and heifers graze for approximately 320 days each year, while pastures receive a minimum of 40 days of rest to encourage plant recovery and strengthen root systems.
Environmental stewardship is central to their operation. More than two kilometres of streams and drainage ditches have been fenced to prevent livestock access, helping to safeguard water quality. Water lines have been installed in every paddock to ensure consistent access while minimizing nutrient concentration in any one area. On their crop acres, the MacArthurs implement reduced tillage practices and follow 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles to optimize fertilizer efficiency and enhance soil health.
“For us, sustainability isn’t a trend - it’s just how we farm,” says Will MacArthur. “If you look after your soil and manage your pastures properly, everything else falls into place. We focus on keeping our land productive, protecting our water and making sure our cattle have what they need. At the end of the day, we want to leave our farm better than we found it.”
The MacArthurs also extend their grazing season by using cover crops following wheat and grazing corn stalks and standing corn — often interseeded with cover crops — well into the winter months. This approach reduces the need for harvested feed and associated fuel use, while maintaining soil cover and supporting overall soil resilience.
“The MacArthurs demonstrate that caring for cattle and caring for the land go hand in hand,” says Jason Leblond, President of the Beef Farmers of Ontario. “From protecting waterways to building soil health and adopting practical best management practices, they’re making decisions that strengthen both their farm and the environment. Will and Tara are deeply committed to ensuring their farm remains sustainable for generations to come.”
TESA recognizes the outstanding environmental stewardship of an Ontario beef farmer. Special consideration is given to farmers who have taken innovative approaches to environmentally sustainable beef production.