Finding Solid Ground

When an abrupt lease termination left their thriving British Columbia market garden without a home, Maylene Loveland and Robin Scheil didn’t just look for another piece of land- they looked for a community where they could truly belong. Wanting to trade the uncertainty of leasing for a place of their own, they found exactly what they needed in the County of Stettler. By investing in an 11-acre property, they gave their farm a permanent foundation. Today, they are cultivating vibrant, high-density crops under the wide Central Alberta skies, turning an unexpected roadblock into a beautiful success story.

Rooted in Passion

Loveland Acres is a specialized, small-scale vegetable farm owned and operated by Maylene and Robin in the County of Stettler.  Their farming journey began back in 2015, working hands-on to learn the ropes before launching their own market garden on leased land in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, in 2019. They quickly proved that a farm does not need hundreds of acres to make a big impact, previously generating $50,000 in gross revenue on just half an acre using smart, high-density growing methods.

By bringing their specialized talents to Stettler County, Maylene and Robin are filling a vital niche. They are answering a growing regional call for fresh, locally grown food. Using low-till practices and natural crop rotations, they are proving that smaller-scale farms can thrive in the area, adding vibrant diversity to our county’s rich agricultural heritage.

The Perfect Home Base

For Loveland Acres, deciding where to plant their permanent roots came down to good soil, great market opportunities, and the undeniable charm of a tight-knit community. The couple drove countless miles through rural districts looking for the right fit. Returning to Alberta, where Maylene grew up, felt like a true homecoming.

The agricultural landscape of Stettler County offered a distinct advantage for their organic aspirations. The region’s abundance of pastureland and cattle production minimizes operational risks for their business compared to regions heavily dominated by large-scale conventional crop production. 

Geographically, Stettler County sits in the perfect sweet spot, offering easy access to underserved markets across Central and Southern Alberta where few organic options exist.

Ultimately, Stettler County’s social fabric finalized their investment. The owners fell in love with the tight-knit feel of the region, the vibrant local events, and the collaborative nature of the community. The local support, small-town functions, and welcoming atmosphere made the area the ideal home base. Noting the success of their own business, they encourage more farmers to consider moving to the region to establish roots of their own. When considering what they would tell other business owners or prospective entrepreneurs interested in the region, their advice is clear: Come here!

Cultivating New Ground

Maylene and Robin started their new chapter by purchasing 11 acres near the hamlet of Erskine. While converting ground into certified organic soil requires the same standards for both cropland and pastureland, their new property had spent its life quietly acting as a home site and grass pasture. Because it had never been heavily farmed, this pristine history allowed them to shorten their active transition period to just 18 months rather than the typical three to five years. This gave them the perfect foundation as they planted their new roots.

The couple packed up their entire farming life in British Columbia and moved it to the new home base. While last year served as a test year on the new land, they have intentionally doubled their active production space for this season. Utilizing high-density farming methods, low-till practices, and biological crop rotations, they are now actively farming 40 individual 30” x 100’ beds, a remarkable amount of production packed into just 0.4 of an acre.

Organic Growth, Local Impact

The hard work on the land is already blooming. Following thorough inspections, Loveland Acres successfully achieved its official organic certification this summer. While they are busy tending the crops, Maylene and Robin are also focusing on how to bring more of their harvest straight to local kitchen tables. They are actively looking at delivery options to serve Stettler County families directly, joining local farmers' markets, and partnering with a local retailer for convenient order pickups.

Beyond the fields, Maylene and Robin have jumped wholeheartedly into small-town life, falling in love with how much care goes into community building across the County of Settler. Looking ahead, they want to use their own journey to help shape a bright future for fellow growers. Their plans include offering stable employment and meaningful mentorship, providing the kind of reliable wages that allow the next generation of farmers to save up and invest in their own dreams without needing to take on second jobs. Ultimately, the couple hopes the success of Loveland Acres will ripple across the region, proving big things can come from small, well-loved spaces.

Plant Your Own Success Here

Stettler County offered Loveland Acres the perfect combination of biosecurity, strong market demand, and a welcoming community focused on mutual success. For entrepreneurs looking to turn agricultural passion into a resilient, rewarding business, this region provides the ideal ground to plant permanent roots. Stettler County is ready for your vision, reach out to the Stettler County Office today to start the conversation.