33 The Business of Prairie Agriculture Better Farming | September 2024 UP CLOSE well.” Vertical integration and organic certification have improved the farm’s competitiveness in the beef sector. “When I started out farming in 2008 or 2009, I wanted to try to make a living on the farm and knew I had to do something a bit different. It’s a niche program and it gives us an edge over the straight commodity,” says Lobreau. Murphy adds that’s he’s drawn to the circularity and sustainability aspects of organic production. “What I like most is the sustainability. We don’t have to rely on input or chemical companies, and instead it’s just the circle of life on the whole farm,” explains Murphy. “We plant a crop and it takes nutrients. We feed those nutrients to livestock and then return the nutrients by scooping up manure and spreading it again. You can do it forever.” As part of their organic management program, Murphy says they aim to keep cattle on pasture as long as possible and they avoid confined spaces. “We feed in the pastures during winter months,” says Murphy. “Our calving season starts in May. We calve everything on grass and leave them all alone at calving. If there are any issues, we bring them up to the yard and can work with them, but if there are no issues, we leave them alone. It doesn’t require a lot of manpower and is low stress for the cows.” Calves are processed for castration in July. The team builds corrals in the pastures so that calves can return to their dams immediately after. “One of our biggest differences is that we don’t use Ivomec products. We still vaccinate and if something needs to be treated, we still bring them in and treat them, but we will tag them differently to be sold into a conventional market,” explains Murphy. The vertical integration of beef production means that Pristine Prairie Organics requires a significant team. Lobreau’s parents still farm with him, and there are employees who manage equipment maintenance and silage production. “It’s still a family business,” says Murphy. “Bryce’s mom does books and cattle records, and his dad is side-by-side with us on the farm fixing what needs fixed and driving what needs to be driven. Bryce does a lot of day-to-day work but is also tied up with 8 Acres.” As farm manager, Murphy looks after feed rations, organizing employees, and caring for the cattle. What is your favourite part of being a farmer? Bryce: I like the challenge. It’s not easy, and every year is different. And I like the full vertical integration of the farm. I wouldn’t be a farmer if I was doing conventional canola or wheat. I wouldn’t be as interested. Raising a family on the farm is great, too. You are basically living at your work. Brendan: The lifestyle. It’s long, hard hours and it’s every day, but if you Harvesting corn for silage to be fed to their cow-calf-to-finish herd. Pristine Prairie Organics photo
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