A day in the life…
The Lanes run Brown Creek Ranch, along with their four children: Ty, Chancey, Cloe and Holly. Their environmental efforts have been recognized by the cattle industry and their peers, through the 2007 Alberta Environmental Steward Award and the 2007 National Environmental Award (TESA). The award recognizes those who are committed to preserving and caring for their land.
“We are pretty blessed to live here,” says Shaunere. “It’s a beautiful spot with rolling hills, green grass and cattle.” It was a lifelong dream for Shaunere and Brian to have their own ranch and when they acquired it in 1997 they quickly began making changes to improve the soil, grass and water.
“We did a lot of simple things that are almost common sense,” says Brian. “But if we didn’t make these changes, we couldn’t sustain the ranch or our livelihood. We’re trying to keep the country the way it was. If you don’t look after the land, it’s not going to be here for you, nor for your kids.”
The family started by using swath and rotational grazing. This meant they took the cattle to the field to graze, instead of feeding in corrals. This eliminated the need for feeding equipment, which in turn reduced fuel and energy costs. They reduced the impact of grazing by rotating the fields on which the cattle feed – pasture land is inactive at times.
They are also took steps to increase the amount of native grasses on the land, choosing to not grow any tame grasses in their hay, pulling weeds by hand. This created a habitat and breeding space that was ideal for local wildlife.
The Lanes have also developed the natural springs on their property as their main water source. Fencing keeps the cattle away from the spring to avoid contamination. Water flow is directed by gravity so that no energy is required to get the water to where it needs to go.
Out of this corner of paradise, the Lane’s have created a vacation business that caters to visitors from all over the world. Brown Creek Ranch Vacations allows their guests to see an environmentally friendly ranch up close and personal.
“We’re living our dream life,” says Shaunere. “So it’s very special to us share it with other people. When our guests first arrive, they get out of their car, and they just stop and look around. They can’t believe how beautiful it is here. By the time they leave, they have become almost a part of our family.”
“We’re honoured to represent the industry in our little corner of the world,” says Brian. “It’s been anything but easy, but we love the land and the life it provides for us and our family. We plan to keep on working to improve the ranch and preserve its unique environment.”