Home on the Range: First Generation Farmer’s Commitment to Prairie Conservation

In the wide-open prairies near Virden, Manitoba, Kirk and Jerri-Lynn Thompson watch their children play in the backyard, not too far from grazing cattle. It’s a scene that marks the culmination of their long-held dream: owning farmland and raising cattle in Manitoba. This dream became reality thanks to support from Manitoba Habitat Conservancy. In 2024, the young couple signed a Conservation Agreement to protect vital mixed-grass prairie habitat across six quarter sections of pastureland. 

Mixed-grass prairie is among the most endangered ecosystems on earth, making the Thompsons’ commitment especially impactful. The agreement safeguards 918 acres (369 hectares) of mixed-grass prairie, woodlands, and wetlands, allowing carefully managed livestock grazing to sustain ecological integrity indefinitely. 

“These grasslands are in a targeted landscape in southwestern Manitoba, identified as a biodiversity hotspot,” explained Carol Graham, habitat conservation specialist with Manitoba Habitat Conservancy. “Ten wildlife and bird species at risk have been identified in the proximity of the Thompson property.  The key to maintaining healthy grasslands for wildlife is managed grazing in partnership with local cattle producers like the Thompsons.” 

For Kirk Thompson, who grew up raising cattle, partnering with the Conservancy made perfect sense. “I had cows growing up and have always worked in the cattle business,” he said. “But it’s challenging for young families to purchase land and start a small cattle business when competing against investor groups. Unfortunately, that pushes aspiring producers away from agriculture, which is quite sad in a lot of ways.” 

Financial assistance through Manitoba Habitat Conservancy’s Conservation Agreements provided the Thompsons with a valuable opportunity. “It just made sense for Jerri-Lynn and me,” Kirk said. “We are on the same page with the Conservancy.  Maintaining healthy grasslands with managed grazing improves cattle performance and it is great for wildlife. It’s a win-win.”