The Environmental Stewardship Award for 2017 was handed out during the Saskatchewan Stock Grower’s Banquet last night in Moose Jaw.

This year’s award winners are Mark and Laura Hoimyr Box H Land and Livestock - a cow-calf operation.

Mark and Laura converted the mixed farm he grew up on to a cow, calf operation and use rotational grazing practices keeping in mind the benefits it also provides for species at risk.

"We move livestock quite often between, one and two days during the peak growing season," Mark Hoimyr said. "When the grass growth slows down, we try to move it at least every four to seven days on the slower growing grass."

Laura says they work really hard not to overstock or overgraze so that they leave some litter behind to keep what moisture there is in the ground to keep the soil healthy.

The couple ranch in the Gladmar area in the South East, which is currently quite dry right now.

"We've had really good luck with improving the soil by bail grazing," he said. "It's amazing in the difference in the colour and the regrowth on the land that's been bail grazed, not just the year after, two, three and four year's after." 

The couple will represent Saskatchewan at the National Awards during the CCA Convention in August.