ALUS proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Dave Reid Award, honouring exceptional farmers and ranchers across Canada whose leadership and innovation exemplify the spirit of stewardship at the heart of ALUS.
Chris and Vivian Crump 2025 Dave Reid Award Winners, accepting the award in Chatham, ON, at the ALUS 2025 East Field Hub Conference.
Toronto, ON, October 16, 2025 — Each year, the Dave Reid Award recognizes participants who go above and beyond in restoring nature on working lands—those who demonstrate how sustainable agriculture and environmental action can thrive together. Named in tribute to ALUS co-founder Dave Reid, the award celebrates producers who combine practical know-how with community leadership to deliver lasting ecosystem benefits.
“Each of this year’s recipients demonstrates how farmers and ranchers are leading the way in building climate resilience and biodiversity through practical, community-driven action,” said Jordan Sinclair, CEO of ALUS. “The Dave Reid Award celebrates these producers for showing that when we invest in nature, we strengthen our communities, sustain agriculture, and create lasting environmental benefits for all.”
This year’s recipients were recognized at both ALUS’ West Hub Field Conference in Strathmore, Alberta, and East Hub Field Conference in Chatham, Ontario—a fitting reflection of the national impact of the ALUS network.
Winner: Chris and Vivian Crump – ALUS Middlesex
For Chris and Vivian Crump, farming is more than production—it’s a partnership with nature. On their farm near Ilderton, Ontario, they’ve transformed the landscape into a thriving mosaic of wetlands, grasslands, and tree plantings that support both biodiversity and agricultural resilience.
A series of cascading wetlands now slows and filters water flowing through the headwaters of the Sydenham River, improving water quality and providing vital wildlife habitat. These projects not only mitigate flooding and soil erosion but also create a scenic natural backdrop for the Crumps’ on-farm market and agrotourism activities.
Beyond their own farm, Chris and Vivian’s leadership extends throughout the community. As long-time ALUS participants and members of the ALUS Middlesex Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC), they have become trusted voices for conservation on working lands. Chris, who also operates a wetland construction business, has supported dozens of ALUS projects across southwestern Ontario, from Middlesex to Chatham-Kent. His technical expertise and mentorship have helped other producers design and implement ecosystem projects that work in harmony with their farm operations.
Chris and Vivian Crump on their farm in Ilderton, Ontario. Scroll through to see some of their projects.
“The Crumps represent the true heart of ALUS—producers who see the opportunity to make agriculture part of the solution,” said Jordan Sinclair, CEO of ALUS. “Their work demonstrates how innovation, science, and stewardship can come together to strengthen communities, improve the environment, and sustain agricultural livelihoods for generations to come.”
Chris and Vivian’s influence reaches far beyond their fields. Through workshops, farm tours, and public engagement, they’ve shared practical knowledge with peers and inspired others to take action. Whether planting prairie grasses with drone technology or constructing wetlands to support regenerative systems, the Crumps continue to model what it means to lead by doing.
“A huge thank you to ALUS for their acknowledgement of our efforts to embody the spirit of ALUS on our farm and through the communities we work in,” said Chris and Vivian. “Our farm is always open to you.”
Runner-Up: Frédérick Alary – ALUS Laurentides
Frédérick Alary receiving his award at the ALUS East Hub Field Conference, scroll to see the celebration with Jennifer Loschiavo, ALUS National / Justine Giroux, ALUS Montérégie / Bélaïs Nyete-Diebe, ALUS Chaudière-Appalaches / Camila Rubiano, ALUS Outaouais & Laurentides / Fred Alary, ALUS Laurentides PAC Chair / Stephanie Hedrei, ALUS Laurentides / Maria-José Maezo, ALUS Outaouais.
In Sainte-Sophie, Québec, Frédérick Alary has built a farm rooted in innovation, sustainability, and community leadership. As chair of the ALUS Laurentides PAC, Frédérick plays a key role in advancing nature-based projects across the region while continuously improving his family’s organic dairy and cheese operation, Ferme Raymond Alary & fils inc. and Les Fromagiers de la table ronde.
A fourth-generation farmer, Frédérick continues a legacy of stewardship that began on his family’s land in the 1920s. Over the past three decades, the Alary family has implemented a wide range of agri-environmental practices—from tree and riparian plantings to sylvopasture systems and soil health research—setting an example for sustainable agriculture in the region. His leadership takes many forms, Frédérick opens his farm to the public for educational tours, supports mental health initiatives for farmers, and works with researchers and community organizations to advance agricultural innovation and awareness.
“For several years, we have been working to protect our environment and the ecosystems around us,” said Frédérick. “It is a tremendous honor to be a runner-up for the Dave Reid Award and to see our actions recognized and rewarded.”
Runner-Up: Neil Claringbould – ALUS Seine Rat Roseau
Neil Claringbould receiving his award at the ALUS West Hub Field Conference, along with the ALUS Seine Rat Roseau Program Coordinators, Joey Pankiw & Dani Gosselin, ALUS CEO Jordan Sinclair, and ALUS Hub Mangers Nicole Baldwin & Paige Englot.
In Manitoba’s Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District, Neil Claringbould is proving that regenerative agriculture and environmental restoration can thrive together. On his family farm, Neil has implemented multiple ALUS projects that enhance soil health, support wildlife, and improve water management across his land.
From riparian buffers and tree plantings to pollinator habitat and water retention projects, Neil’s efforts are helping to restore ecosystem balance while maintaining productive farmland. His enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and his belief in the practical benefits of ALUS make him a strong ambassador for the program in his community.
“The ALUS projects we have implemented on our farm have been very beneficial to both the environment and our farm,” Neil said. “It’s an honour to receive this award and be recognized for the work we’ve put into building nature to support our regenerative family farm.”
Honouring the Spirit of Stewardship
Each year, the Dave Reid Award highlights the remarkable producers who turn vision into action—those who show that local solutions can drive global impact.
As ALUS continues to grow across Canada, these leaders remind us that stewardship begins in the field, where farmers and ranchers are building a more resilient future—one acre at a time.
“We love the fact that agriculture and the environment can and should work together,” said Chris and Vivian Crump.
