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 The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) program operated by the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) recognizes the outstanding stewardship efforts of Canadian cattle producers. The TESA program will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026. For Canada Beef, TESA nominees embody the spirit and values of Canadian beef producers. The personal stories shared by nominees from across the country about what motivates them to attain a beef production system that works in harmony with the ecosystems on the lands within their operations are always heartfelt, sincere, and inspiring to fellow beef producers. Canada Beef congratulates Don and Geraldine Bettle and Passekeag Holdings Inc., of New Brunswick, recipients of the national TESA for 2025, and all the provincial nominees in the running this year. For almost 50 years, Don and Geraldine Bettle have run Passekeag Holdings Inc., a 70-head Angus-based cow/calf operation on their farm located next to the Kennebecasis River. The couple were nominated for the TESA because of the many conservation and soil health practices that they have implemented on their farm.  Mike Duguid, Co-Chair of CCA Environment Committee and Lisa Miller, Partner, with MNP, presented the award to the Bettles at a banquet during CCA’s semi-annual meeting in Levis, Quebec on September 10. “The Bettles show incredible respect for the land and environment and demonstrate every day how Canadian beef producers support grasslands and protect homes for birds, wildlife, pollinators and fish,” Duguid said. The river is an integral part of the farm and has a major influence on how the Bettles manage their land base to protect the water resource, riparian areas and vital wildlife habitat. Along the three miles of waterfront on their property, the riparian area is fenced about 50 or 60 feet back from the river, and they have planted oak, maple and willow trees to stabilize the banks. They have installed miles of pipeline to bring fresh water from wells and mountain springs to their rotational grazing paddocks.  “I grew up here on the river, swimming and fishing every summer, so the river has always been important to us,” explained Don Bettle. “Now my grandchildren are swimming and fishing in the river, and we want to make sure is sustainable for the years ahead. With a strong riparian area, the river and the cows are healthier by keeping them away from the mud and water.” The rotational grazing system that they have been building over the past 20 years promotes forage regrowth and builds soil health. There are eight paddocks at their home site and another eight on pastureland about 16 kilometers away at Salt Springs. The cows move to a new paddock every five days and it’s about a month before they return to the original paddock, by which time, given adequate moisture, the grass has regrown and is ready to graze again. The Bettles also use winter bale grazing to improve marginal land and have adapted forage species and grazing timing to respond to changing climate patterns. In collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee, the Bettles have set aside 300 acres of wetland to promote conservation and installed duck nesting boxes for waterfowl. Their protection of natural habitat supports many species of wildlife such as hawks, swallows, beavers, otters, mink and various fish species. They have created wildlife corridors between wooded areas that allow animals to move safely without damaging fencing. Like the many TESA recipients before them, the Bettles were surprised and humbled to receive the TESA in recognition of their exemplary stewardship - efforts often considered everyday practices and both a responsibility and privilege. “We never expected to win because there were so many outstanding nominees,” Bettle said. “We were shocked to be chosen.” Story By Angela Lovell Preamble by Canada Beef Director, Stakeholder Communications, Gina Teel Back to main page  GINA TEEL Director, Stakeholder Communications |
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