Pickles Ranch

🌧️ THANK GOODNESS IT'S RAINING 🌧️

What a spring it's been here at Pickles Ranch.

It started with snow. Lots of snow. As it melted, our fields turned into lakes, and we weren't even sure if we'd get into them in time to plant. Thankfully, our newly acquired (and gently used) 1958 Massey Ferguson tractor was up for the challenge. She only got stuck twice, and with a little help from some great neighbors, we managed to get her pulled out and keep moving forward.

Then came the next challenge: seed.

Back in September, we ordered our dill seed and waited patiently. When it finally arrived, we quickly realized we only had about 1.5 pounds—enough to do not very much. Panic started to set in. For the first time, it looked like Pickles Ranch might not have a dill crop this year.

We spent days reaching out to seed suppliers across Canada, searching for the specific variety of dill we need for our sauces and seasonings. Just when things were looking bleak, a company in Ontario stepped up and helped us out with enough seed to plant both fields.

The seed went into the ground, but I couldn't help myself—I had to test some. After months of working on soil health, building organic matter naturally, and trying to grow the boldest dill possible, I tucked a handful of seeds into a damp paper towel and waited.

A few days ago, we opened it up.

Tiny little sprouts.

A simple thing, but a huge moment.

Are we there yet? Not quite.

But for the last two nights, and all day today, the rain has been falling. As Pickles and I sit comfortably inside watching the rain and relaxing for a few moments, I can't help but feel hopeful.

I also can't help but feel grateful.

To everyone who follows along, likes a post, shares a story, buys a bottle, or simply cheers us on—thank you. Your support means far more than you'll ever know. You're helping grow a small country dream into something bigger, bolder, and more beautiful than I ever imagined.

To all the farmers out there, whether you're down the road or halfway around the world, I hope you're getting the moisture you need, the seed you need, and a season full of good luck and good harvests.

Now we'll keep watching the rain, keep belie

🌿☀️ Hello June from Pickles Ranch! ☀️🌿
June has officially arrived, and things are growing fast around the ranch! The dill is in the ground, the gardens are planted, and now comes the hardest part of farming... waiting for Mother Nature to do her thing.
This year we've planted thousands of sugar beets, rows of carrots, sweet corn, garlic, and of course, plenty of dill. Every seed represents hope, hard work, and a dream that started with a rescue dog named Pickles and a little acreage in Northern Alberta.
As we head into June, we're thankful for every customer, every follower, and every person who stops by our table, shares a post, or tells a friend about Pickles Ranch. Your support helps us continue growing local, hand-crafted products while supporting animal rescue along the way.
Here's to warm days, gentle rains, healthy crops, and plenty of adventures with Pickles. 🐾
Welcome to June, Pickles Ranch family. Let's make it a good one.
💚🚜🌱
No sprays. No bullpoop. Just ranch-grown goodness.
DillFarmer RescueDog MadeInAlberta SupportLocal SummerGrowingSeason

🚨 MISSING... THEN FOUND! 🚨

While making my daily rounds at Pickles Ranch and checking on all the homesteaders, I noticed something horrifying...

ALAN WAS MISSING.

For those unfamiliar with Alan, he's not just an African gander. He's what scientists would describe as an African Gander–T-Rex crossbreed with a questionable attitude and absolutely no regard for personal space.

At this point, the emergency alert should have gone out:

⚠️ Hide your kids.
⚠️ Hide your wife.
⚠️ Lock the doors.
⚠️ Bring the pets inside.

With concern growing by the minute, I climbed into the side-by-side and began a full-scale search operation. Safe inside the enclosed cab, I felt much like the survivors in Jurassic Park, cautiously patrolling the ranch while keeping an eye out for the prehistoric menace.

After an extensive search of the property, the beast was finally located.

Alan had taken refuge in a different w**d bed near the dugout, apparently enjoying a peaceful afternoon while the rest of us feared for civilization.

The good news: Alan has been found.
The bad news: Alan still exists.

All is well once again at Pickles Ranch, but let this be a warning to everyone...

If Alan ever gets out, run first and ask questions later.

🦖🪿 MissingButFound

Happy Wednesday from Pickles Ranch! 🌾💚
Tomorrow’s Grain Bin appearance is currently 50/50 as work life has been keeping us extra busy lately. We’ll keep everyone updated and let you know by 2PM tomorrow if we’ll be making it out.
Sorry for the late notice — when you’re running a one man, one pup show, things can get a little wild sometimes. 🐾
Thank you all for the continued support, understanding, and love for local. It truly means the world to us here at the ranch. 🚜✨ GrainBin AlbertaMade

Unfortunately, we won’t be making it to Grain Bin this Wednesday. 🌱🚜
It’s that time of year at Pickles Ranch — the fields are calling, and seeding season for the 2026 crop is officially underway. Between tractors rolling, seed going in the ground, and long days in the field, we’re taking this week to focus on the coming season and everything growing behind the scenes.
We truly appreciate all the support, messages, and everyone who comes out week after week. It means the world to this little ranch. 💚
We’ll be back soon with more flavor, more dill, and more good vibes. Until then, wish us luck and good weather out in the fields!
See you soon 😊
— Andrew & Pickles
DillFarm SeeYouSoon RanchLife GrainBinBrewing NorthernAlberta

To all the moms and motherly figures somehow keeping the wheels on this thing day after day,

Happy Mother’s Day 💕

Whether it’s your mom, the mother of your kids, or someone who’s always shown up for you, bring her down for a beer today. After putting up with all of us, it’s honestly the least she deserves.