Stephen Hughes, the first Flagship Farmer for McDonald's Canada. (Supplied by McDonald's Canada)

By David Opinko

Southern Alberta man named McDonald’s first Canadian “Flagship Farmer”

Dec 12, 2019 | 3:14 PM

LONGVIEW, AB – Stephen Hughes of Longview’s Chinook Ranch is getting major recognition from the world’s largest food service chain.

The Flagship Farmer Program is “a global initiative that amplifies the stories of exceptional farmers who exemplify best practices in beef production and agriculture.”

“I am humbled to be selected as the first McDonald’s Flagship Farmer in Canada,” says Hughes. “I am happy to be an example of all the good work that is going on in my industry; and I appreciate and recognize the commitment that McDonald’s has made to Canadian ranchers.”

Chinook Ranch in Longview, west of High River, spans 5,440 acres and includes 500 Hereford cross Angus cows, 400 yearlings, and 80 heifers.

Hughes is the first Canadian to ever be selected for his commitment to innovative ranching practices such as year-round, rotational grazing techniques.

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“My objective is to be more profitable, whilst working smarter, not harder. By focusing on year-round grazing, I’ve been able to reduce costs, with my work being more enjoyable and logical.”

“If animals don’t have easy access to water, all the grazing management in the world is irrelevant. Cutting out so much farming and developing our water system has allowed us to really improve our grazing practices.”

These changes have allowed the Hughes family to reduce the amount of hay being made from 3,000 bales annually to around 400-500.

This has reduced their machinery, fuel, and labour costs by $100,000, has lowered daily winter-feeding costs by 20 cents per cow, and has increased stock holding capacity during the summer period to help consume pastures not cut for hay.

The Chinook Ranch took part in McDonald’s Verified Sustainable Beef Pilot Project, which allowed them to become a verified-sustainable operation.

“As McDonald’s Canada’s Flagship Farmer, Hughes will inspire and inform fellow ranchers, share his experiences, showcase the best practices of Canadian beef producers and engage stakeholders on the impact he’s achieved at Chinook Ranch,” reads a media release from McDonald’s Canada. “He will also continue to participate in a variety of community engagement and outreach programs.”

“Trust yourself and don’t be afraid to implement changes, challenge all that say; but we’ve always done it this way,” says Hughes.

Canada is the third-largest supplier of beef to McDonald’s globally.