When you manage more than 20,000 acres of prairie, your biggest business partner is the soil beneath your feet.
Clayton and Shauna Breault have built their ranch around regenerative practices that have tripled soil organic matter, supported biodiversity and kept their cattle healthy.
The Breaults were recently recognized by Manitoba Beef Producers as the provincial Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) recipients for their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable ranching.
“The award recipients show the variety of beef production systems that thrive across Canada,” said Jessica Davey of the Canadian Cattle Association. “What sets the Breaults apart is the sheer scale of their herd and grasslands, and their ability to remain sustainable by applying regenerative practices with measurable results.”
The couple raised cattle in southern Saskatchewan before purchasing the home of Breault Ranches Ltd. in Manitoba in 2002. As first-generation farmers, they built their own beef herd from the ground up. Today, they manage 4,300 head of cattle, including 2,500 breeding females — 1,800 cows and 700 heifers — on a ranch that spans 22,000 acres of pastureland. They also operate a feedlot south of the home ranch with cropland dedicated to producing winter feed.
At the heart of their approach is soil health, which they believe is the foundation of their operation and the key to its long-term success. Over time, they have roughly tripled their soil organic matter, a major improvement that enhances both soil fertility and carbon storage.
“When you run an operation of this size you have to work with nature, because at this scale you cannot work against it,” said Clayton. “We’ve learned over the years that when you work against Mother Nature it drastically increases the challenges.”
Rotational grazing is a cornerstone of their system. Cattle are moved through 137 pastures in 11 groups, a highly managed approach designed to mimic the natural movement of keystone grazers like bison. This allows grass to rest and regrow, improving plant health, soil structure and overall biodiversity.
“We are most proud of the increase of plant diversity on our pastures, as well as the wildlife, insects and birds,” said Shauna. “The rapid improvement of organic matter in the soil gives us more structure, water infiltration and water holding capacity. That helps during drought or excessive moisture, keeps water from running into rivers and streams, and stores carbon in the soil.”
Over the past two decades, the Breaults have applied six key principles of regenerative agriculture:
• Context – understanding local climate, soil types and natural resources.
• Minimize disturbance – avoiding tillage and chemical inputs.
• Armour the soil – keeping the ground covered with living plants or crop residue.
• Diversity – encouraging a wide range of plant and animal species.
• Keep living roots in the soil – maintaining green cover to support nutrient cycling.
• Livestock integration – using animals strategically to improve soil health.
They have also moved away from monoculture crops in favour of diverse polycrop blends, sometimes planting up to 14 different species. These blends provide a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet for cattle while improving soil biology. The shift has led to healthier animals, reduced disease and improved environmental outcomes, including increased songbird populations and more beneficial insects.
“The most rewarding part has been seeing the overall health of both soil and cattle improve, along with the increase of wildlife, insects and birds,” said Clayton. “The hardest part was getting everything to work together. There are a lot of different pieces that have to fall into place.”
The Breaults say they’ve even spotted endangered bird species on their land, a sign that their efforts are creating real ecological change.
As first-generation ranchers, they also hope to inspire others.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Shauna said. “Use resources like Manitoba Forage and Grasslands, Understanding Ag, tours, podcasts, and find a mentor. Learn and follow the six soil health principles.”
Asked how they balance profitability with their environmental goals, Clayton said it comes back to letting nature lead: “By working in sync with nature, you cut down on crop inputs, and in the long run that leads to healthier plants, healthier cattle and healthier people.”
Receiving the provincial TESA has also been affirming.
“It’s shown us we’re on the right track,” Shauna said. “We’ll continue to practise regenerative agriculture because we’ve seen large benefits within our soil and cattle health.”
And for those still on the fence about whether to make the leap, Clayton is blunt: “Just go for it. You are improving the environment, livestock, human health and your bottom line. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Davey added that Manitoba beef producers are leaders in sustainability, preserving endangered grasslands while producing high-quality beef.
“Ranchers like the Breaults provide benefits well beyond their operations, ensuring healthy ecosystems for future generations and earning the trust of consumers,” Davey said.
Each year, provincial TESA winners vie for the national award, a partnership initiative between the Canadian Cattle Association, Birds Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. This fall, the Breaults will join six other provincial nominees in competing for the 2025 national title.
While the award has been presented for more than 26 years, recent years have brought growing recognition of the positive role beef cattle can play in the environment. A national survey conducted in July 2025 found 80 per cent of Manitobans agree beef is an environmentally friendly food choice — among the highest rates in Canada and up seven points since 2023.
The Breaults’ commitment to soil health, biodiversity and herd management has created a ranching operation that works with nature, not against it.
