|
|
| Cliquer ici pour lire l'infolettre en français | View in browser |
 Meet the Farmer - Andrea Stroeve-Sawa, Taber, Alberta Andrea Stroeve-Sawa is proud to be a fourth-generation farmer at the family cattle operation founded by her great-grandfather, Albert Green, in the early 1900s. As the first woman in the family lineage to manage Shipwheel Cattle Feeders Ltd. near Taber, Alberta, she is as open to embracing change as her forebear, who left Sweden on a tall ship in search of a better life. This journey eventually led him to the southern region of the province. Today, Stroeve-Sawa manages the 5,500-head feedlot, along with 500 yearling grazers and 900 acres, and works alongside her father, Blake Holtman; husband, Trevor Sawa; and children Taylor, Treven and Tanae. The family continues to embrace innovation and sustainable practices at their operation, in part to proactively manage the sandy soils and arid climate of southern Alberta.  “There is a lot of history here, and I have a huge amount of respect for that, but I also think each generation has a responsibility to leave the farm a little better than they found it,” she said. “Whether that is how we handle cattle, how we care for the soil, or how we work with our people, I’m proud that we keep trying to get better.” Shipwheel Cattle Feeders uses livestock-centred stockmanship and regenerative agricultural practices, including adaptive multi-paddock grazing. The operation is far from a stereotypical feedlot, having diversified into other, complementary ventures. In addition to feeding cattle, the operation composts its manure, makes worm castings, raises pasture hens, and keeps bees, grows a garden, and has cattle grazing grass in the summer. The family also operates a self-serve farm store called the Green Mercantile.  “While a feedlot is often thought of in a very narrow way, we try to show how many different parts of food production and land stewardship can work together here,” Stroeve-Sawa said. “It’s a pretty diverse operation, but cattle are definitely still at the heart of it.” In 2021, the farm received an Alltech Planet of Plenty Award recognizing its sustainable management practices. All the manure and bedding from the feedlot is composted, producing around 10,000 tonnes of compost a year that is sold to other local farmers, greenhouses, and gardeners. They also integrate vermicomposting and sell worm castings, as well as direct marketing beef, honey, and eggs to local customers through their farm store.  It is a busy operation, but that’s one of the things Stroeve-Sawa most enjoys. “What motivates me is the opportunity to keep building something,” she said. “Farming is never really finished. There is always another season, another idea, and another way you could do something better. I’m motivated by my family, by the people who work alongside us and by wanting to make sure there is something here for the next generation if they choose it. I genuinely love agriculture. I can’t really imagine doing anything else.”  The new chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef also offers a broader perspective about the farmers and ranchers who spend every single day with their animals and on their land “and have a pretty big stake in taking good care of both.”“There are real families behind Canadian beef, and for most of us this isn’t just a job or a business. It’s our home, our livelihood and something we hope to pass on. I wish people knew how much we care.” Fall is Stroeve-Sawa’s favourite season; due in part to the anticipation of the calf run and bringing cattle back in off grass. “There is an energy to that time of year. The feedlot starts filling up again, silage is coming in, and everything feels busy and productive. It’s a little chaotic, but it’s the type of busy I love. Fall feels like cattle season to me,” she said. Of course, a big perk of being a beef farmer is that you get to eat your own product, and in Stroeve-Sawa’s book, nothing beats a really good steak. “A great Canadian beef steak, seasoned simply and cooked on the barbecue. Add some garden potatoes or vegetables, and I’m pretty happy,” she said. Our Meet the Farmer: International Year of the Woman Farmer campaign launched in January 2026 and will run the full calendar year. A Canadian woman owner-operator is announced each month on our social channels, with detailed information provided in Canada Beef Performs and on our website. Submitted by Angela Lovell, freelance writer, and Gina Teel, Director, Stakeholder Communications Back to main page  GINA TEEL Director, Stakeholder Communications |
|
You’re receiving this newsletter because you’ve subscribed to Canada Beef Performs. No longer interested? Forward to a friend? Editorial contributor and oversight provided by Gina Teel, Director, Stakeholder Communications, Canada Beef. CONTACT US [email protected] canadabeef.ca © 2026 Canada Beef. All rights reserved. 
|
|