The Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association Convention and AGM  wrapped up yesterday in Moose Jaw.     

One of the highlights of the two-day event was the presentation of The Environmental Stewardship Award to Brian and Debbie Highsaw of Clear View Angus at Mankota.

The farm bio notes the land has been in the family for over 100 years and is in close proximity to Grasslands National Park and Mankota Community Pasture.

The Highsaws manage over 6000 acres of native grassland and over 2100 acres of tame pasture and is home to many species at risk including the Sprague's Pipit, Swift Fox, and Greater Sage Grouse. 

Brian and Debbie have worked with Grasslands National Park, grazing federal properties in order to reach management and biodiversity goals on the native grasslands both within the park boundaries and on their own land. 

They have implemented various management techniques such as changes to grazing patterns, stocking density, timing, and rest, which have made it possible for them to continue to improve their range health.

The SSGA notes that whether they are looking a month ahead, a year, or even ten years plus in the future, the Highsaws are working to make sure the landscape will be sustainable and successful for the future generation of ranchers and land stewards.

Clear View Angus Ltd. entered into a four-year Results Based Conservation Agreement with the Saskatchewan Stock Grower’s Association in 2017, covering approximately 3520 acres of native prairie. 

This project was very unique, being one of the first multi-species agreements implemented by SSGA and SODCAP.  

The Highsaws were one of the first producers pioneering these innovative approaches to conservation.

Whether they are looking a month ahead, a year or even ten years plus in the future, they are working to make sure the landscape will be sustainable and successful for the future generation of ranchers and land stewards.