Environmental ranching practices have garnered Malakwa’s Crystal Lake Ranch the attention of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association (BCCA) with it’s 2023 Ranch Sustainability Award.
Werner and Jody Stump of Malakwa recently received the award for practicing sustainable agriculture on their 870-acre ranch that also has a grazing license that covers 194,000 acres, which Werner’s former classmate and current MLA Greg Kyllo applauds.
“He and Jody’s dedication to sustainability and innovative practices have been inspiring, and are a shining example of how responsible land stewardship can lead to economic prosperity and conservation,” Kyllo said during the Monday, Oct. 30 session of the B.C. Legislature. “Their innovative practices are steeped in their deep appreciation for the land, water and wildlife that not only benefit their ranch, but serve as an example for other ranches across the province.”
Some of the first regenerative practices the Stumps implemented include silvopasture management systems — seeding grasses and grazing cattle on forestry cutblocks — cover cropping, efficient water delivery systems, nutrient recycling and riparian habitat management, such as riverbank stabilization. That, however, was just the start, with Werner describing it as an ongoing process.
“For farmers, we are always thinking about the sustainability of our operations,” he said in a statement on the Government of B.C. website. “Sustainability is not defined as a destination, rather it is a continuous process of improvement practices considering soil, water, air quality and biodiversity.”
The Stumps join ranks of past winners — including fellow Malakwa residents Terry and Heather Milton who won the award in 2007 — who share the same goal of working the land while ensuring its longevity for future generations.
“It’s really special to us to receive the sustainability award because we know we’re part of an industry that they live and breathe taking care of the land and thinking about the next generation,” Werner said in a BCCA profile on the Stumps. “To be recognized as someone that’s doing that, it’s really special.”
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