Kim and Charlie Sytsma of Eight Line Farm in Athens, Ontario are just one example of a beef producing family who sustain and continually improve their land. Recently awarded this year’s Ontario Environmental Stewardship Award¹ (TESAward) sponsored by the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association and RBC Royal Bank, Kim and Charlie say “we’re just doing what all our neighbours are doing. To be singled out from such a great group of colleagues is a very humbling experience.”

As residents of Leeds County, a portion of the Elbe creek runs through their farm. Working with Leeds County Stewardship Council, the Sytsma’s restored more than 1.5 kilometres of riparian shoreline habitat through the construction of three-kilometres of fencing controlling access to the stream. Now the Sytsma’s 480 cattle are watered using a total of five solar watering systems. In addition, through their efforts to protect Elbe creek, the Sytsma’s have protected a primary source of water for Charleston Lake – a lake that boasts the most southerly self-reproducing Lake Trout population in Ontario.

“I am proud of the food our family produces and prouder still that our farm land is preserved and improved for my grandchildren to enjoy,” said Kim. Being Canadian, I know how precious our diverse landscape and fresh clean water are. As a steward of the land, it’s my job to leave it better than I found it.”

The Sytsma’s went on to represent Ontario at the National Environmental Stewardship award competition held August 8, 2010 in Calgary, AB.

¹TESAward recognizes the outstanding environmental stewardship of an Ontario cattleman. Special consideration is given to producers who have taken innovative approaches towards furthering the environmental sustainability of their food production.