2025 ESATS – an introduction

Alberta’s farmers and ranchers have a reputation for dedication, leadership and hard work as stewards of the land. Every 2 years, the Government of Alberta sponsors the Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Tracking Survey (ESATS) to track use of beneficial management practices (BMPs) by Alberta’s farmers and ranchers. The survey has been running since 1997 and focuses on BMPs that promote responsible resource management of Alberta’s soil, air, water and biodiversity.

The government hired a third-party contractor to conduct the survey. A representative random sample of 500 farmers and ranchers from across Alberta will participate in either an online or telephone questionnaire. The survey includes questions about the use of BMPs based on 4 themes: soil, air, water and biodiversity.

BMPs are management practices that help to reduce or eliminate an environmental risk. These can range from fertilizer and nutrient application to practices protecting water quality. They also take into consideration legislation, practicality and operational needs for a farm or ranch.

The ESATS also tracks farmer and rancher awareness and use of government delivered and/or funded decision-making support tools and resources. These tools, like the Alberta Farm Fertilizer Information and Recommendation Manager, Alberta Climate Information Services, Alberta Irrigation Management Model, and resources like, the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan and Agriculture Service Board Resource Management Program, help farmers and ranchers make environmentally sustainable operational-level decisions on their farms. Understanding awareness and use can help improve these tools and resources for Alberta’s farmers and ranchers.