History of Rolyn Hills

The Purdie ancestors came from Scotland and a luxurious life style including servants.  One has to be amazed at the fortitude of the early pioneers as they ventured forth to parts unknown to face that which they did not know.

Persevere they did through good times and bad and helped build a community that included a school and church. 

Life could not have been easy for them - but from family history there was time to stop and visit with neighbors and still get all the work done and take Sunday as a day of rest -  time much needed for man and beast.

Rob & Lynda Purdie are the 5th generation to live and work on this land which is NW 36-37-26 W-4 in Red Deer County.

The work that is done on the ranch is done much as in days of old..  The cattle are worked using horses - moving the herd, branding, doctoring etc. 

The Purdies welcome guests to ride along and experience the cowboy way of life, or just to enjoy the opportunity to breathe fresh country air and relax.

The ranch does not employ outside help.  When the need arises for extra hands, 3 sons and their families are pressed into action.  The young children were not very old when they took their first rides, so are quite comfortable helping out wherever they are needed. It is a thrill for Rob & Lynda to ride and work with a tight knit family unit that includes their sons and daughter-in-laws and grandchildren.   It appears as though the cowboy way of life  will be carried forward at least for 2 more generations!

The Ranch

June through September are busy days at Rolyn Hills.  1200 to 1500 head of cattle are custom grazed on the 2000 acres of ranch land.  As they graze in one group, there is always the need to provide enough water for the herd - on hot days, that requires a few thousand gallons to keep them satisfied. 

Another task or chore, is fencing.  The herd is grazed in a smaller area for a short time in order to make an impact on the grass.  It has been proven that a large number of cattle on a small area for a short time is very beneficial to the pasture.  That is the method that is used at Rolyn Hills.  Electric fences are used to contain the herd, so the need to always have the fences in place is paramount. 

As the herd finishes in one area, they will be moved on to the next fenced area - right next door, across the road, or maybe a bit farther up toward the hills. Help is needed when there is a road to cross, or the herd is being moved farther.  Guests who wish to help are most welcome. 

The herd is moved in a quiet, controlled (as much as possible) manner - not a lot of shouting and hollering as might be seen on TV movies.  We have learned not to try to guess how long a particular move might take - we know that sometimes things don't go as planned, so the job will take as long as it takes to do the job!!!  Sometimes dinner is later than usual, but the job will be done!!!

 

Map to Rolyn Hills