In the heart of Prince Edward Island, Canada’s Food Island – on land that dates back to 1844, you’ll find Lady Fane Farm—a place where history, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability come together. This seventh-generation farm, led by father-son duo David and Brett Francis, is more than just a cow-to-finish beef operation and seed potato farm; it’s a beacon of environmental stewardship and sustainable farming for the community and beyond. A Legacy of Stewardship For the Francis family, farming on PEI means nurturing the land with care. This close relationship with the land, combined with a proud family history that stretches over 180 years, underscores the family’s dedication to protecting and enhancing their farm for future generations. This dedication was nationally recognized in 2017 when Lady Fane became the first Island farm to receive the prestigious Canadian Cattlemen’s Association National Environmental Stewardship Award—a remarkable achievement highlighting their sustainable practices and commitment to responsible farming. Innovation Meets Tradition The beautiful landscape of PEI, with its rolling green hills and vibrant red-earth fields, isn’t just a picturesque scene; it’s an environment that the Francis family carefully manages through strategic practices like strip cropping. By alternating fields of pasture and crops, they effectively reduce soil erosion and protect water quality, keeping the farm sustainable. This approach is just one way they combine tradition with modern ecological knowledge to make the land thrive. Working with ecologists and agricultural experts, the Francis family has integrated a variety of environmental initiatives that foster biodiversity and soil health. Healthy riparian zones (the buffer areas between land and water) and a rich diversity of plant species are just a couple of indicators of the farm’s environmental health and dedication to stewardship. Growing for the Next Generation David and Brett see themselves as caretakers of the land, protecting it not only for their children but for future farmers as well. Whether the farm continues with potatoes and cattle or shifts to new crops or practices, the Francis family hopes to ensure that the farm remains a sustainable, vibrant operation that the next generation can build upon. A Leader in Sustainable Beef Production Lady Fane Farm is not only deeply rooted in its heritage; it’s also paving the way for future generations of sustainable farming on PEI. Their work in sustainable beef production was honored with the Beef Sustainability TESLA award, recognizing the family’s leadership and contribution to creating high-quality, ethically-raised beef with minimal environmental impact. As a cow-to-finish operation, the Francises maintain control over every aspect of their beef production, ensuring that their practices align with their sustainable values. A Community Effort For the Francis family, sustainability goes hand-in-hand with community responsibility. By working with local and provincial agricultural programs, they share knowledge and innovations that benefit the broader PEI farming community. Through their dedication, Lady Fane Farm is setting an example, showing that it’s possible to farm responsibly and sustainably while making a meaningful impact on the local economy and environment. A Vision for the Future Lady Fane Farm stands as a testament to what’s possible when family legacy, environmental care, and agricultural innovation come together. With a vision rooted in stewardship and sustainability, David, Brett, and the rest of the Francis family are not only preserving their heritage but also paving the way for future generations of Island farmers. By supporting Certified Island Beef and choosing products from farms like Lady Fane, consumers are helping sustain these responsible practices and support a vibrant, healthy agricultural landscape on PEI—ensuring that farming will continue to be a source of pride and livelihood for many generations to come. Want to learn more about all the great work David and Brett Francis are doing? Read more here! For more Canada’s Food Island stories visit our blog!
