2026 TESA Nominee Profile: Manitoba— Connor & Kyla English, Brian & Leanne English

A Living Legacy 

Starting Six Generations Ago

The English family’s story begins in 1898, when the family first settled in the Bradwardine area of Manitoba. Six generations later, the land still thrums with the same spirit of stewardship. Only now, the family’s approach has grown into an example of regenerative agriculture.

Today, the operation spans roughly 970 acres of perennial grazing forages, 70 acres of annual crops, and an additional 90 rented acres of perennial forage. Their herd includes about 320 breeding cows, 20 replacement heifers, and 30–40 stocker calves destined for direct‑to‑consumer sales.

But numbers alone don’t tell the story. What defines the English farm is the management of its grazing system, one built around soil health, water resilience, biodiversity, and livestock that move with purpose across the land.

In winter, cattle graze standing corn, bale-grazed forages, swaths, and silage piles. When summer arrives, the family leans on diverse cover crop blends to establish perennial forages and stretch the grazing season as far as the weather will allow. Every decision is made with the land in mind.

Sustainability Practices

“Our grazing methods are our bread and butter,” says Connor English, and it’s clear he means it.

The family uses a Total Grazing approach, a system that relies on short-duration, high-density grazing to maximize forage use and regenerate plant growth. Their paddocks are designed for low-stress handling, and cattle are moved almost daily to maintain ideal growing conditions.

Each year, the land is divided into three functional zones: green season acres, managed for high-quality forage with balanced protein and energy; summer buffer zones, insurance against drought or environmental stress; and stockpiled grass, reserved for winter or early spring grazing. After the first frost, the family aims to graze the green and buffer zones completely, stimulating stronger forage production the following year.

This approach has paid off. For the past two years, the English family haven’t needed to make hay for winter feeding. Their grazing season now stretches right until freeze‑up.

Water management is equally intentional. Three creeks run through the farm, but cattle are fenced out of riparian areas to protect sensitive ecosystems. Instead, water is pumped through an underground pipeline from a dugout into troughs.

Winter watering, however, is a different challenge. To keep water flowing in Canadian winter temperatures, the family relies on shallow wet wells and massive 15,000‑gallon tanks that act as winter reservoirs, feeding troughs through constantly flowing lines that resist freezing.

Environmental Commitment

Partnerships have played a key role in the farm’s evolution. Funding programs have helped the English family expand cross‑fencing, build smaller paddocks, and create alleyways that simplify cattle movement. Water pipelines have been installed to keep livestock out of riparian zones, strengthening wetland ecosystems, and improving grazing distribution.

These partnerships have also opened the farm to the public. School groups, international grazing tours, and curious neighbors have all walked the English pastures to learn about regenerative agriculture firsthand.

Brian English participates in the Loop program, diverting grocery store produce from landfills and utilizing it for nutritious cattle feed, another example of the family’s commitment to circular, sustainable systems.

Their guiding environmental philosophy is simple: “Keep a green living root as long as possible, and work with the system to do so.” Rather than fighting the environment, they aim to partner with it.

Future Priorities

The English family’s future plans revolve around strengthening their water infrastructure. They hope to increase the holding capacity of existing dugouts, deepen pipelines for easier winter watering, and build additional wells and backup systems. More water capacity means more grazing flexibility, and more resilience.

Shelterbelts are another priority. Trees and shrubs protect soil, hold snow for spring moisture, and shield animals from harsh prairie winds. After witnessing everything from dust storms to intense winter conditions in recent years, the family is committed to expanding these natural defenses.

Connor also sees potential in virtual fencing, a technology that could transform stockmanship and grazing management across all seasons.

Living Legacy

A sixth‑generation farm is more than a business; it’s a living legacy. The English family understands the weight of that inheritance, but they also recognize that the future may require change. As Connor reflects, “Keeping the legacy alive would be very cool, but if change needs to happen, I hope we can acknowledge that it may need to. And only as long as the next generation does what is right for them and makes choices that are both enjoyable and profitable while keeping our sustainable practices in place.”

Their story is one of adaptation, resilience, and deep respect for the land. And as the next generation steps forward, the English farm stands as a testament to what’s possible when tradition and innovation walk the same pasture.