The Meadowbrook Family Farm, operated by Steve and Lisa Ernewein in Walkerton, Ontario, has received the prestigious 2024 Mapleseed Sheep Pasture Award for its exemplary pasture management.
The award, presented by Mapleseed, the Ontario Forage Council, and Ontario Sheep Farmers, honours Meadowbrook’s sustainable practices that prioritize both livestock welfare and land stewardship.
Meadowbrook Family Farm is a diverse operation with over 1,100 ewes, including 800 meat-producing Dorset/Rideau cross ewes and more than 300 British Milksheep/Lacaune cross ewes for dairy production.
Utilizing 240 acres of managed pasture, the farm’s dairy herd grazes the highest quality pasture areas. Although not certified organic, Meadowbrook adheres to organic practices, reflecting their commitment to natural farming.
Their operations go beyond sheep, incorporating an Angus/Limo beef herd. This dual-species approach helps control parasites naturally, enhancing both livestock health and pasture vitality. The farm follows an accelerated lambing schedule, delivering 100 to 150 lambs monthly, while their dairy production reached 50,000 litres this year, with a target of doubling it next year.
Mapleseed representative Scott Fisher praised Meadowbrook for its advanced husbandry, noting their use of movable fencing and diverse species as key elements of their pasture management.
Patricia Ellingwood, General Manager of the Ontario Forage Council, also commended the Erneweins, calling the farm a “self-sustaining pasture ecosystem.” She emphasized how Meadowbrook balances each part of its operation to benefit both the livestock and the land.
With a $250 cash prize and a bag of forage seed, Meadowbrook Family Farm serves as an inspiring example for Canadian farmers, showcasing how effective management can create a thriving and sustainable farm environment.