Holding Every Drop: How Water Shapes Life and Livelihood on Hartell Homestead
When you step onto Hartell Homestead, nestled in the foothills of Alberta, you’re entering a living example of how water, thoughtfully managed, becomes the foundation of regenerative agriculture—and a thriving homestead business. Since purchasing this once-struggling land in 2019, owners Nick and Alli have combined a deep respect for natural processes with a commitment to providing fresh, local food. Today, every part of their farm—from the soil to their diverse product line—bears the imprint of water-conscious stewardship.
From Decimated Dirt to Water-Holding Soil
Back in 2019, the land was described as “decimated and dry.” But drought doesn’t define destiny. Through intentional practices—rotational grazing and the use of chicken tractors—they’ve nurtured their soil’s organic matter from a barren state to a thriving one. That might seem slight, but consider: each increase in organic matter adds tens of thousands of gallons of water storage per acre. By more than doubling their levels, Hartell Homestead has already unlocked thousands of extra gallons per acre—a tangible shift in resilience. Their ambition? Building toward a water-holding capacity that would make their pastures almost entirely drought-resistant.
Four Ponds, One Purpose: Sequestration in Action
Water strategy at Hartell Homestead flows from top to bottom—literally. Their landscape is shaped by a series of interconnected ponds, positioned across elevation gradients. Here’s how it works:
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In spring, snowmelt from nearby foothills fills the highest pond.
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Once full, water spills downhill to the next pond.
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This cascading continues across all ponds.
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They retain water until frost exits the soil.
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Then, seepage replenishes surrounding land gradually.
This system preserves snowmelt that would otherwise wash off, and more importantly, delivers it into the earth when it matters most—once the ground can absorb it. The result? A natural reservoir that harmonizes with the seasons, sustaining the farm through dry spells.
Why It Matters: Connecting Water to Every Crop and Critter
Without reliable moisture, the farm can’t sustain poultry, pigs, cattle, bison, goats, or plants—period. Hartell Homestead knows this intimately. Water isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. It supports:
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Grasses for rotational grazing, ensuring pasture quality without overgrazing.
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Garden veggies and herbs, grown fresh, natural, and local.
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Livestock health, spanning Highland cattle, heritage pork, bison, ducks, and chickens.
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Community offerings, from farm-fresh eggs to locally made goods.
Whether it’s pouring rain or parched weeks, stored water ensures consistency—for farm health, productive output, and business reliability.
From Pond to Plate: Hartell Homestead’s Proud Product Line
Their water-focused vision doesn’t end in the landscape—it’s woven into everything they grow and raise. Since opening to the public, Hartell Homestead has offered a bounty of fresh, locally produced items rooted in seasonality and sustainability.
Ranch-Raised Beef and Highland Cattle
Their ranch-raised beef hails from foothills producers and comes fully labeled for transparency—featuring producer names and animal tags. They offer both grain- and grass-finished cuts. Their Highland beef is particularly special—more tender than conventional beef, nutrient-dense, lean, and heart-healthy thanks to their iconic shaggy coats and lean build. This beef brings a uniquely regional taste and tradition to customers.
Heritage Pork
Their heritage pork originates from F4 Ranches, a multi-generational ranch west of High River. The pigs are a hardy cross of Berkshire, wild boar, and Mangalitsa, culminating in dark-red, well-marbled, flavourful meat. This deep lineage ensures flavour and quality unmatched by standard grocery store pork.
Farm-Fresh Eggs and Duck Eggs
Eggs from Rhode Island Reds (and seasonal duck eggs) are laid on-site. The birds benefit from chicken tractors that support intensive pasture grazing in summer and freerange roaming during the milder winter. A year-round egg source, this practice links soil fertility to food production.
Seasonal Produce and Fresh Herbs
Hartell grows seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs for local customers. Everything is natural, nutrient-rich, and harvested in season. Herb baskets are available ready-made or customized—with offerings rotating as seasons change.
Bison
They also partner with 1907 Ranch, which raises purebred plains bison, 100 percent grass-fed—named in honour of the year bison were first introduced to Canada. The result is a lean, nutrient-dense meat that reflects the natural prairie diet of these iconic animals.
Highland Honey and Locally Grown Garlic
Hartell carries pure raw honey produced in their foothills, along with gourmet hardneck garlic, black garlic, and pesto made by Forage & Farm—a regenerative permaculture operation.
Gifts and Local Artisanal Goods
In addition to food, the Homestead offers locally made gifts: candles, handcrafted crochet items, local photography and cards, leather work, and even locally roasted coffee. They also collaborate with Rafter 34 Clothing Co. to sell branded apparel like “WESTERN AF,” “TEQUILA,” and “FOWL LANGUAGE”—fun, farm-themed wear made for rural living.
A Living Classroom: Community Through Water
Water at Hartell isn’t just stored or used—it’s taught. Since opening, Nick and Alli have invited guests to learn where food comes from and build self-sufficiency. Visitors can:
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Experience the farm—meander lanes, visit Highland cattle, chickens, ducks, goats, and bison.
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Shop produce and crafted goods—open six days a week, nine to six (closed Wednesdays).
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Participate in classes and events, like soap-making workshops with lavender and mint.
These opportunities connect the dots—showing how clean water, soil health, and responsible livestock integrate into community education and wellbeing.
Water, Soil, and Community
At Hartell Homestead, every aspect of the operation is interconnected. Their water management strategy centers around a four-tiered pond system that captures snowmelt and gradually releases it back into the soil, ensuring moisture is available when the land can actually absorb it. At the same time, their focus on soil regeneration—through rotational grazing and chicken tractors—has helped increase organic matter and significantly improve the soil’s water-holding capacity.
This foundation supports their diverse lineup of locally produced goods, from pasture-raised meat and fresh eggs to seasonal vegetables, herbs, honey, and handmade products. And beyond the products themselves, Hartell is deeply committed to community engagement—inviting visitors to learn, explore, and reconnect with where their food comes from through workshops, farm tours, and a welcoming on-site store.
Together, these practices create a resilient, regenerative model rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and shared knowledge.
A Future Rooted in Water
Looking ahead, Hartell Homestead is poised to ramp up soil organic matter significantly. As organic content climbs, their water-holding capacity will surge, making the farm virtually drought-proof. This isn’t just about surviving dry spells—it’s about prosperity, local resilience, and nourishing community all year long.
As Nick reminds us, “Without clean, reliable water, my livestock and crops would fail. Keeping any moisture we can on our farm is the best way to not only be sustainable but also profitable for the future.”
They’re not just building a farm—they’re cultivating a model: one that shows how water stewardship, soil care, and local engagement can build robust, regenerative farms—right here in Alberta’s foothills.
Keep up with Hartell Homestead by following their Facebook and Instagram pages!
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