• Frith Ranch • MX Ranch • Ketaorati Ranch • Salix Enterprises
• Mount Sentinel Ranch • Freeman Ranch • Stillridge Ranch
Frith Ranch
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MX Ranch
Situated south of Pincher Creek, in the heart of Southwestern Alberta’s prime ranching country, the MX Ranch has been successfully raising cattle since 1946.
As a haven for wildlife, MX Ranch sees a sizeable elk herd, as well as deer and moose, who continually browse the scrub and willows. Wolves and grizzly bears also continue to find a refuge on the ranch. This working relationship with the land and wildlife to protect stream corridors, wildlife habitat and open space is testament to the partners’, Janet Main, Charlie Straessle, Mac Main and their families, commitment to land conservation and ranch life.
The partnership is unique. Janet manages the books, the heifer cow herd and the numerous kitchen table gatherings. Charlie oversees the crop land: the planting, cutting, and baling. While Mac is the cow boss and heavy equipment operator.
In 1994, the partners significantly expanded their ranch operations by purchasing 8,800 acres of prime rangeland. The partners realized they had a unique opportunity to conserve a block of land as a wilderness area, while conserving their ranching lifestyle, free from development. This also provided an opportunity to work alongside other landowners and organize a local land conservation group.
When a group of Southwest Alberta ranchers began musing over the idea of starting up a certified organic beef operation, the MX partners were immediately interested, and joined the group. The result of those early meetings was the formation of the Producers of Diamond Willow Organic Ltd.
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Ketaorati Ranch
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Salix Enterprises
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Mount Sentinel Ranch
Francis and Bonnie Gardner are third generation ranchers operating south-west of Calgary, Alberta. This is one of the most ecological threatened regions in Alberta.
Within Mount Sentinel Ranch, clear trout streams, thick willows protecting the stream banks from erosion, and wind through healthy native grasslands are only some of the ecological aspects that can be found. Deer, elk, moose, coyotes, wolves, grizzly and black bears are also a prominent part of life on the ranch.
The Gardners are committed to this landscape and manage the grasslands with care through rational grazing, which helps to ensure healthy pasture without the need of fertilizers or herbicides.
The Gardners have been featured on David Suzuki’s The Nature of Things and on CBC Radio documentaries. Their efforts have also been recognized by Alberta’s prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award.
As active community members, the Gardners are involved in many ways. Whether hosting a neighbourhood barbeque or welcoming visitors looking for a western experience, the Gardners realize that local ranches help to maintain the fabric of rural communities and strengthen the local economy.
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Freeman Ranch
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Stillridge Ranch
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