During the 2023 Lacombe and District Chamber of Commerce Awards, Lacombe County presented the Grose family with the 2023 Farm Family of the Year Award.
“This was the first year that Lacombe County was involved in the nomination and selection process for the Farm Family of the Year,” said Reeve Barb Shepherd. “It was not an easy decision, but we selected a family that embodies the many qualities we were looking for – innovation, involvement in the community and rural citizenship, and family farm business
management.”
A legacy of innovation
Their farm's land has been in their family since 1895, and the Grose family moved to the area in the mid-1980s when they decided to relocate from Southern Alberta. From the outset, they displayed an unwavering commitment to their agricultural pursuits and continue to farm 1,500 acres and manage a small cattle farm near Clive.
However, their most significant contribution to the region’s economy and farming industry lies in establishing Rodono Industries, a progressive manufacturing business near Clive. The company is named after the Rodono Farm, registered in Alberta in 1921. The farm received its name from the Rodono House which was built in 1866 on the shores of St. Mary’s Loch in Scotland. Now, the Rodono Farm is owned by Darren Grose and his family.
The Grose family's dedication to enhancing farm safety and addressing the evolving needs of the industry is exemplified through their innovative products manufactured at Rodono Industries. Notable inventions include the Xtend Retracting Swing Auger, a straw chopper system developed in response to no-till farming, and the feeder house reverser.
These pioneering products have found widespread usage in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, parts of the United States, and even Australia, underscoring their global impact.
Overcoming adversity
In 2005, the Grose family faced a significant setback when a devastating fire consumed their shop, threatening their dreams and livelihood. However, their resilience, coupled with the unwavering support of their sons Darren and Cory, allowed them to rebuild and expand their services. Today, Rodono Industries is a testament to their dedication, remaining family-owned and operated, embodying the Grose family's indomitable spirit.
Community Involvement
Jim Grose, the family patriarch, has a legacy that extends beyond the family business. He devoted an impressive 50 years of his life to volunteering with rural gas cooperatives in Southern and Central Alberta, and he also served on the Board of Gas Alberta for many years. The Grose family's commitment to improving their community does not stop here.
With Darren and Cory actively involved in the family business, a new generation of ideas and innovations promises to build upon the legacy established by their parents. They have also continued the tradition of community involvement through their leadership in local 4-H clubs, Scouts, local sporting groups, and their active participation with the Clive Ag Society.
The Grose family's story is a testament to the values and qualities the Farm Family of the Year Award represents – innovation, community involvement, and strong family farm business management. The Grose family's incredible achievements and lasting legacy are a source of inspiration for their community and the agricultural industry as a whole.
They embody the spirit that continues to thrive in Lacombe County, and we congratulate them for their well-deserved recognition as the 2023 Farm Family of the Year.
