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Alberta Beef environmental award announced

December 10, 2010, Calgary, Alta – Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) recently presented the 2011 Environmental Stewardship Award at the annual general meeting.

The Kidd Bros., beef producers near Mayerthorpe, was the selected recipient.

This year the judging team, which included three ABP environment committee delegates, a Cows and Fish Riparian Specialist, and a representative from last year’s award winners, the Waldron Grazing Co-op, traveled 1,500 km across Alberta to evaluate the producers nominated for going above and beyond in their environmental
stewardship practices.

The brothers, Bob and Larry Kidd, work closely with their uncle, Ron Kidd, one of the original partners, to run a viable mixed operation that focuses on cattle and crop production. The family recognizes the importance of the environment but is
first to admit the majority of their environmental practices were brought forth
by production and profitability concerns.

“It doesn’t matter what I want to do with the environment if I can’t ‘financially survive’ until next year, but so often if you are doing those other things right, the environmental consideration is there,” said Bob.

The Kidd brothers have worked closely with groups like the West Central Forage Association, Cows and
Fish, and were instrumental in the development of the Paddle River Stewardship Group. Through these groups, the brothers have hosted countless tours and demonstrations on their property spreading the message of environmental sustainability.

“Bob and Larry have put a lot of effort into working with a number of environmental groups so others can benefit from their actions,” said Greg Bowie, ESA chair. “Protecting the river and the land and plant life around it is a very obvious priority to the brothers.”

It is the Kidd’s constant efforts to improve their management practices while minimizing the impact of the environment that make them worthy recipients of the 2011 Environmental Stewardship Award.

“It’s nice to be recognized for moving agriculture in a positive direction. The environment is constantly playing a larger role in the decision-making of the initiatives we take on,” said Larry.