learning to homestead off the grid in YEG
Our first-generation family farm is learning to live off this land while sharing our food and our stories
Discovering Off-Grid Life in YEG
The Idea
Is farming still a viable way of life in Alberta? Many family farms have given way to massive mono-culture fields of grain harvested by multi-million dollar machines. Farmers have second jobs. Farmland is sold off to build condos by children hoping for a better life than their parents had. We want to find a way to live off our land independently and sustainably, so we're on a journey of learning and growing while we still have our full-time jobs and the grocery store to rely on!
Energy System
There is no electrical grid connection out here. We live entirely on solar panels with a bank of batteries and a propane generator for back-up as needed. With a family of four plus a rental suite for two additional people, we have more than enough electrical power ... most of the time ... when properly managed. What don't we have? Utility bills!!
Food Security
Our 50-acre plot was subdivided from an original quarter section of farmland. We live in clay. Rock-hard clay. Most of the land is dedicated to growing animal feed, cut and baled by a neighbor who trades us for a freezer full of beef. We have large gardens and a chicken coop to produce eggs and meat for our family. Our first beehive is arriving in 2025, and we expect to have honey for sale in 2026 so stay tuned!
About Off-grid life
Who are we?
He's a military veteran and real-life McGyver. His gift for improvisation has saved us from many ridiculous problems, often created accidentally by us. She's a real-life Jane, helpless and lost in the jungle at first, but pretty handy with mechanical systems and a tractor/backhoe now. Together we keep a lid on the chaos of life off-grid ... most of the time.
What is off-grid life about?
Off-grid life is a website where we share our experiences creating a home on raw Alberta farmland. We live on 52 acres with our family, three dogs and cat. We have no utility bills, but we also have no power, water or sewer lines to rely on so we want to give a real view into the highs and lows of going it on our own.