Sustainable Progress at 57 Mile Ranch: Pursuing an EFP 

When 57 Mile Ranch decided to participate in the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program, they were looking for practical ways to improve their environmental stewardship while enhancing ranch productivity.   

With the guidance of their EFP Advisor, through their EFP Action Plan, the ranch pinpointed areas of opportunity and implemented targeted solutions through the Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) program.  

Barnard Bentall, owner of 57 Mile Ranch, shares the impact the EFP program has had on their operations, allowing them to access funding: “The [BMP] funding…has made a huge difference to our ranch and will continue to do so in the future. There has already been a big improvement in yield, our use of energy, water, time and labour.”   

As Barnard describes, reaching out for advice and support was simple and effective, allowing the ranch to address issues quickly and efficiently. Through the BMP Program, 57 Mile Ranch completed a Grazing Management Plan, received funding to update their irrigation systems, and completed a FireSmartTM Farm & Ranch Assessment. This has led to increased productivity and protection on their ranch. 

57 Mile Ranch shows how an EFP can reveal opportunities for BC ranchers to make impactful changes with real, measurable benefits for their land, operations, and community.  

Funding for the Environmental Farm Plan program has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri‐food and agri‐based products sector.  The program is delivered by IAF.