The Beginning
Robert + Rose
It all began with two people who dreamt of starting something new in a land different from the one they had known. In 1922 Robert and Rose Smith purchased a plot of land from David Fehr surrounded by other Mennonite settlers. Despite the discrimination they initially faced coming from English decent, our great-grandparents persevered. The banks of Buffalo Lake, now known as Buffalo Creek, provided protection from prairie grass fires, secured a steady supply of water and neighboured fertile soil. Thus the village of Roseville was born, one of the smallest districts within the RM of Rhineland. Cultural differences faded as commonalities in agriculture created a thriving community dedicated to stewarding the land and the animals holistically.
Russel Smith
young Russel with his work horses
Homestead
early settlement photo
Robert Smith
Robert with sisters Evelyn and Rose
Russel + Mary
Family Homesteaders
In 1944 newlyweds Russel and Mary, nee Friesen, became the new land owners.
Together with their four children, Robert, Linda, Irene and Ronn, they continued to farm the surrounding acres as well as keep chickens, beef cows and family pigs. Russel and Mary added a few more dairy cows to the herd with cream picked up and shipped to the Winkler Creamery on a weekly basis.
In 1979 their youngest daughter Irene and her husband Dan purchased the homestead.
Dan + Irene
Dairy Farmers
It's been said things change with time and so it was with the third generation.
Irene and Dan purchased a dairy coda becoming full time dairy farmers while Irene's brother Ronn continued to farm the family's grain land.
Due to unforeseen circumstances the dairy coda was sold in 2004.
Irene and Dan had three children Gwendelyn, Kevin and Timothy.
In 2012 Timothy and his wife Lisa, nee Fehr, purchased the land becoming fourth generation homesteaders.
Tim + Lisa
Cattle Farmers
Tim grew up on the homestead while it operated as a dairy farm. He married his high school sweet-heart Lisa and together with their children Ethan and Emma they continue to manage the daily operations of what is today Roseville Homestead, grass-fed and grass-finished quality beef.
"We feel a strong call to steward the land and the animals responsibly and holistically. Rotational grazing allows the land and grass to rest and replenish itself while the cattle provide fertilization as they graze. We raise our cattle the most natural way we can; free of hormones, steroids, anti-biotics, corn, soy, animal by-products and filler."