Tucked into the rolling prairies of Faulk County, South Dakota, Roseland Ranch is more than just a family farm—it’s a living testament to six generations of stewardship, conservation, and innovation. What began in 1886 with Norwegian immigrants Gabriel and Elizabeth Roseland has grown into an 18,000-acre, diversified cow/calf, farming, and hunting operation led by Steve and Deb Roseland, alongside their sons Sal and Slade and their growing families.
A Family-Led Operation Rooted in Conservation
Steve Roseland and his wife Deb took the reins of the family operation from generations past, but they didn’t do it alone. Steve’s 94-year-old mother June remains active in the day-to-day work, and his sons Sal and Slade are deeply involved in both cattle and farming operations.
Today, the ranch supports a 900-head Angus cow herd and retains roughly 20% of its heifers as replacements. The rest are sold to loyal, repeat customers. Maintaining a large herd requires a carefully managed rotational grazing system, where cattle graze roughly 7,000 acres of native grasslands. Young pairs are sorted into small groups and rotated through pastures during the growing season, with every decision guided by rainfall, forage health, and herd condition.
Farming complements the cattle operation. Slade, an agronomy graduate from SDSU, manages crop production with a focus on sustainable practices. Roughly 7,000 acres are planted in a three-crop rotation of corn, soybeans, and wheat. No-till practices, variable rate technology, and air induction sprayers ensure efficient inputs and protection of soil, water, and surrounding wildlife habitat.
Creating a Habitat for Wildlife
Roseland Ranch has long recognized the natural harmony between agriculture and wildlife. Decades of conservation-minded efforts have built a thriving habitat that supports everything from waterfowl and pheasants to deer, antelope, and predatory birds. The ranch lies within both the Central and Mississippi flyways, attracting millions of migratory birds annually.
Tree belt development has been a generational commitment. Despite setbacks from hailstorms and tornadoes, the family continues to replant and expand windbreaks. Today, roughly 70 acres of tree groves protect wildlife and provide critical winter cover.
Water development is another cornerstone of the ranch’s conservation ethic. The Roselands have installed four artesian wells, two rural water wells, and 14 dugouts, along with protecting natural sloughs to support nesting birds. These water sources help ensure both livestock and wildlife thrive even during dry years.
Innovation for the Future
Perhaps one of the most unique elements of Roseland Ranch is how it has successfully diversified beyond traditional agriculture. In the early 2000s, Sal Roseland saw an opportunity to turn his passion for hunting into a revenue stream. After launching an initial advertising campaign and website, Sal and his family grew a new venture—R&R Pheasant Hunting—that now brings in over 900 hunters a year.
Roseland Ranch is home to 6,000 acres licensed as a South Dakota hunting preserve. Every guest is given a tour of the working farm and ranch, giving them a firsthand look at the family’s conservation and stewardship efforts. This intersection of agriculture, wildlife, and tourism offers an educational experience that few operations can provide.
In addition to on-the-ground efforts, the Roselands are embracing technology in meaningful ways. Through a grant from the Second Century Habitat Fund, they’re using drones to inter-seed native grasses into existing pastures. Cattle are then used to “walk” the seed into the soil, minimizing equipment use and promoting biodiversity. This simple yet effective strategy illustrates their commitment to continuous improvement and land preservation.
Leading by Example
The Roselands have not only led on their own operation but have served their community and industry in numerous ways. Steve spent 20 years as a county commissioner. Slade is the current Mayor of Faulkton. Sal actively contributes to multiple organizations, including the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Grasslands Initiative, and the Upland Outfitters Association.
Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Roseland Ranch has received several conservation awards, including honors from Ducks Unlimited, the Izaak Walton League, and the Brent Wilbur Conservation Award. The ranch has also been featured in over 30 publications and on numerous outdoor television programs.
Looking Ahead
The sixth generation of Roselands are still kids today, but they’re already learning what it means to care for the land. With the values of stewardship, innovation, and respect for creation deeply rooted in their upbringing, the future of Roseland Ranch looks as promising as its past.
Whether it’s building healthy soils, welcoming hunters from across the country, or using drones to plant native grasses, Roseland Ranch continues to model what sustainable, innovative ranching can look like in the 21st century. It’s not just a place—it’s a legacy in motion.