Awards

Ontario beef is not only produced sustainably, it also has a positive impact on our environment. This dedication to our land and the future of our farms needs to be highlighted and shared, not only within our industry but to our consumers and the public.

Since 1995, The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) has been awarded annually by the Beef Farmers of Ontario to recognize beef farmers’ leadership in conservation within the province of Ontario. Nominees and applicants are selected based on their stewardship practices, accomplishments and goals.

Each year, the Ontario recipient of the environmental award is recognized at the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) Annual General Meeting in February.

How to Nominate:

• Nominate a beef farmer who you feel is deserving of recognition for their environmental
  efforts or we equally encourage beef farmers to nominate themselves for the award.
• Please complete the Ontario TESA Nomination Form for BFO’s consideration.
• All nomination forms will be kept on file for future consideration.

Selection Process:

• The selection of the successful recipient will take place in July of each year, and the recipient will be recognized at the following BFO Annual General Meeting in February.
• The Ontario recipient moves on to compete for the national TESA title, which is led by the Canadian Cattle Association. 

The Ontario TESA recipient will receive:

• a $2,000 cash award, and a $500 donation to a BFO-approved conservancy or environmental group of their choice
• the choice between a farm sign or commemorative trophy
• a feature in an Ontario Beef video showcasing their environmental work, and its importance to sustainability and stewardship

NOMINATION Deadline

Please send nominations to the BFO office by mail, fax or email.

DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY OF THE NOMINATION FORM

Ontario Environmental Stewardship Award Winners

2025 Ontario Recipients
VAN OSCH FARMS

(L to R) Craig McLaughlin, BFO President; Carson Burtwistle, RBC; Kurt Van Osch;  Brendon Van Osch

2024 Ontario Recipients
CIRCLE H FARMS

(L to R) Brodie and Kerry Gross and Shawn Hyatt ; Carson Burtwistle, RBC; Craig McLaughlin, BFO President

Learn more about Circle H Farms in the video below!

The Ontario Pasture Award

Each year the Beef Farmers of Ontario partner with DLF and the Ontario Forage Council in sponsoring the Ontario Pasture Award. This is an excellent opportunity to recognize an individual producer who has demonstrated good use of resources through selection and management of pastures.

The winner is announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Beef Farmers of Ontario in Toronto held in February each year and presented with a cash award of $500.00 donated by Mapleseed.

To submit a nomination, complete this Beef Pasture Nomination Form.

Completed applications must be received by the Ontario Forage Council by November 30th each year.

Ontario Pasture Award Winners