Jackie and Steven Pemberton of Pemdale Farms at Inkerman are this year’s winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) sponsored by RBC Royal Bank and organized by Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO).
Jackie and Steven have demonstrated their commitment to the environment by focusing on development of research, effective nutrient management, and caring for waterways, said organizers in presenting the award during BFO’s annual meeting.
While incorporating simple, routine practices such as cover crops, fencing waterways and participation in an Environmental Farm Plan, Pemdale Farms has also taken an active role in many research projects to further sustainability and innovation within the industry.
For example, they have done research with Carleton University focusing on agriculture adaptation to climate change, an international research project analyzing the genetics of various crops and their effects on biodiversity, and a manure storage design research project conducted with the Canadian government, agriculture and university groups.
“Jacqueline and Steven are exemplary members of the community and their dedication to environmental stewardship is having an impact throughout Eastern Ontario and beyond,” said Brendan Jacobs, program coordinator, ALUS Ontario East.
Jackie is a director at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and is its liaison with BFO.
