The time period “natural” usually evokes photographs of lush inexperienced fields, plentiful crops, and wealthy soil, which is appropriate. Nonetheless, at One Diploma Organics, we additionally view the phrase “natural” by the lens of onerous work, unwavering dedication, and a deep ardour for working with nature.
We perceive that reaching transparency in our meals programs might be difficult, but we’re devoted to creating it occur. Each farm we go to deepens our dedication to high quality, sustainability, and toxin-free meals, making us happy with each ingredient we supply.
Lately, we flew again to Northern Alberta to go to among the unbelievable oat farmers we work with, and what an unforgettable expertise it was!
This lovely area of Canada is famend for producing among the greatest oats on this planet and strolling by the picturesque golden-brown fields simply earlier than harvest season reminded us of the care and dedication our farmers spend money on each crop.
Picture: Map of our oat farmers in Alberta, Canada.
Be a part of us on a journey by our latest go to as we share the inspiring tales from our oat farmers and reveal why rising natural goes far past merely providing clear substances.
Our Journey to The Farms
Upon touchdown in Alberta, we have been met by robust northern winds, which added to the attraction of this lovely a part of Canada. The breathtaking landscapes have been the view of the five-hour drive to the crop-filled farms that will quickly develop into the backdrop of our story.
Our first cease was the family-owned farm of Peter Wiebe, the place the sense of household and neighborhood was instantly palpable. We have been welcomed into his house and given a private tour of the property. Peter demonstrated his progressive methods for utilizing tools to handle crops, successfully controlling weeds with out harming the crops or the soil. This was simply considered one of many insights we gained about plant-based farming throughout our very first go to.
Picture: Stan (left) & Peter Wiebe (proper) discussing the oat harvest.
Subsequent, we had the privilege of visiting Ernest Peters’ farm. Ernest and his spouse are devoted mother and father to 2 younger kids, and he’s desirous to share his information and keenness for natural farming with them as they age. Ernest is a younger, hardworking particular person dedicated to offering grains free from toxins and chemical compounds. His motivation goes past merely caring about what goes into your breakfast bowl. It’s a ardour for studying the right way to work with nature to develop the very best nutrient-rich grains.
Picture: Ernest Peters, his spouse & their two younger youngsters (high). Kathy & Alonna with the farm cats (backside left). Ernest holding his son whereas strolling with Stan & displaying him his farm (backside proper).
Day 2 led us to the Rabiey household farm, the place Brad and Rebecca, together with their two sons, warmly welcomed us. The farm, is cultivated organically, and our go to, coupled with a welcoming lunch of selfmade soup, reminded us of the important connection between the households behind our meals and the significance of their tales.
Picture: Brad & Rebecca with their two youngsters (high). The Rabiey farm (backside left). Brad & his dad talking to Stan about their farm (backside proper).
Brad’s mother and father have been on the household farm after we visited. His dad grew up on this farm, so it’s protected to say that each Brad and his dad know each a part of it just like the again of their palms. Brad’s dad farmed alongside his dad on the identical land that Brad and his kids proceed the farming legacy. That makes three generations of farming and counting.
We then paid a go to to Michael Scott’s farm. Initially hailing from Scotland, Michael settled in Northern Alberta as a younger grownup to pursue farming. What struck us about Michael was his deep dedication to soil well being. Upon our arrival, he was not harvesting oats; as an alternative, he was diligently getting ready the land for the upcoming season by working cowl crops into the bottom to enhance the soil well being. He understood that cultivating a wholesome crop requires first nurturing the soil.
Michael shares that farming is what motivates him to start out every day. He notes that essentially the most difficult side of rising natural crops is coping with weeds, as he doesn’t use chemical compounds which can be generally utilized on standard farms to manage them. Whereas natural farming requires extra effort, Michael is at all times desirous to study and increase his information as a farmer.
Picture: Our oat farm associate, Michael Scott (high). The machine Michael makes use of to reap his crop (backside left). Michael’s farm (backside left).
On Day 3, we had the chance to spend time with David Friesen, his son, and his farming associate, Peter Lundgard. Their partnership and shared information stood out as invaluable belongings on this planet of natural farming. Regardless of the relentless winds that day, David’s sons labored tirelessly to reap and bag the oats.
Picture: David Friesen, his son & farming associate, Peter Lundgard (high). The oats being harvested on David’s farm (backside left.) The soil & oat crops of the farm (backside proper).
Our ultimate go to was with Herman Friesen and his son. Herman has devoted a few years to farming alongside his household, and he took the time to stroll us by considered one of his fields, explaining that weeds are a pure side of natural farming. For Herman, oats should not solely important for his livelihood but additionally a staple in his family. He expressed nice enthusiasm on the prospect of seeing the One Diploma Organics packaging that will carry his oats to our shoppers.
Picture: Herman Friesen & his son (high). Herman holding an oat from his crop. (backside left). Oats grown on Herman’s farm (backside proper).
The sight of those sprawling fields evoked a deep nostalgia for Kathy, who described this journey as particularly significant as they handed by the areas the place her mother grew up. She loved being there together with her family- it made her fall much more in love with this a part of the world
Going Past Farm-to-Desk
At One Diploma, buying natural oats goes past a easy commodity transaction; it begins with the significant relationships we domesticate with our farmers. When folks ask us concerning the secret behind our high quality oats, we confidently attribute the excellence of our gluten-free oats to the robust partnerships we develop from the onset with our farmers
Discussing natural farming is one factor, however strolling by the fields alongside these devoted farmers reveals the exceptional craft of rising natural grains. Such farm visits, together with all our different farm journeys, have deepened our appreciation for the dedication required in natural farming.
Every farmer we met emphasised the well being of the soil and the superior yields of natural crops in comparison with standard ones. For Brad, convincing his father to transition to natural farming was a pivotal second of their journey. There’s a shared dedication to creating meals that’s not solely suitable for eating but additionally wholesome for the setting—an ethos that resonates deeply
Picture: (left to proper) Alonna, Stan & Kathy Smith, Rebecca, Brad Rabiey & their two youngsters.
Kathy describes her go to to Brad and Rebecca’s lovely farm as actually inspiring. Listening to their journey from standard farming to natural—sparked by the thought, “If we don’t spray our house backyard, then why are we spraying chemical compounds on our farm?”—was extremely transferring. The historical past of their great-grandfather and his spouse selecting this land a few years in the past, in a still-standing outdated home, added one other layer of heat to the expertise.
In Kathy’s personal phrases, “At every farm, the tales have been distinctive, but they shared a typical thread: a profound love for the land and its soil, together with a dedication to working in concord with nature. I cherished seeing the farmers’ pleasure, understanding that they’d quickly take pleasure in One Diploma Organics oatmeal constituted of their very own harvest!”
What We Realized from Our Go to
In a world the place meals transparency is of utmost significance, visiting farms is among the greatest methods to determine belief with our shoppers. This stage of transparency differentiates our model from others by permitting you the ability to know extra about your meals.
There’s a disconnect between the meals we devour and its manufacturing journey. Farming is a difficult endeavor, fraught with unpredictable hurdles. Our farmers rely upon important pure parts like daylight and rain for crop development and any deviation—can jeopardize their harvest.
Experiencing these farms firsthand supplies a deeper appreciation for the intensive work concerned in natural farming—managing weeds, innovating methods, and educating oneself about soil well being, to call a couple of. Natural farming is way extra complicated than merely planting a wholesome seed in wholesome soil.
Picture: Oats being harvested on David Friesen’s farm.
What does natural farming imply? Natural farming represents a holistic method to agriculture that prioritizes the well being of individuals and the planet. At its core, natural farming prohibits the usage of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and artificial pesticides, making certain that dangerous toxins don’t enter the meals we eat. This dedication not solely safeguards our well being but additionally contributes to a lowered carbon footprint, making natural practices a extra sustainable alternative for farming.
Natural farming is predicated on practices that not solely shield environmental well being but additionally search methods to enhance it. Somewhat than relying on artificial pesticides and fertilizers, which may deplete the vitamins discovered within the soil and exacerbate environmental degradation, natural farming helps to enhance soil well being by sustainable practices akin to composting, cowl cropping, and crop rotation.
These sustainable strategies additionally assist to guard pure habitats with the understanding {that a} numerous organic panorama helps to feed each folks and the planet.
At One Diploma Organics, our purpose has at all times been to offer the very best high quality, toxin-free natural merchandise in your on a regular basis enjoyment. We consider in transparency; as we prefer to say, “No secrets and techniques, simply substances.” Selecting natural meals not solely enhances your well being but additionally promotes environmental sustainability.
Herman defined that natural farming is essential for each animals and people, as they each require clear meals to remain wholesome. He talked about that he used to eat oats however stopped as a result of they made him really feel bloated. Nonetheless, since he found One Diploma Organics, it has develop into the one model of oats he eats, as they don’t make him bloat.
At One Diploma Organics, our purpose has at all times been to offer the very best high quality, toxin-free natural merchandise in your on a regular basis enjoyment. We consider in transparency; as we prefer to say, “No secrets and techniques, simply substances.”
Consuming natural means:
- Your meals accommodates increased ranges of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in comparison with standard choices.
- Your meals has considerably lowered publicity to dangerous pesticides and chemical compounds that may accumulate within the physique over time.
- Your meals is grown with a give attention to preserving nature, selling biodiversity, enhancing soil well being, and fostering a more healthy planet for future generations.
- Your meals tastes higher as a result of it’s grown with out synthetic preservatives.
Picture: Natural oats from Brad & Rebecca’s farm.
Kathy says she was reminded of how essential it’s to find out about the place your meals comes from, she goes on to additional elaborate on her expertise, “The standard of our meals and our well being is linked to the standard of the farm and the care a farmer places into managing his crops utilizing natural farming practices. All of this impacts the well being of the crops that we eat. Wholesome soil makes wholesome crops, and wholesome crops make wholesome folks.”
Picture: Kathy on the grounds of Brad & Rebecca’s farm.
We go to every farm ourselves to make sure high quality, which is why we are able to confidently stand behind each grain that finally ends up in your desk, and we’ve the verified labels to show it.
What’s in Retailer for the Future
Through the years, we’ve visited numerous farms, and every go to solely fuels our anticipation for the following. Better of all, we at all times sit up for sharing the unbelievable tales of our farmers with you.
Due to our 100% traceable merchandise, you get to learn the way our substances are grown, why natural is the more healthy choice, and uncover the the explanation why we journey far and broad to convey this high quality to your breakfast desk.
Picture: The Smith household & Peter Weibe farm strolling by the sector of Peter’s farm.
We perceive that understanding extra about your meals is essential to our shoppers, which is why these farm journeys are a vital half in offering you with extra transparency. Each time you select One Diploma Organics you’ll be able to relaxation assured that our substances have been rigorously sourced, grown and harvested for your loved ones’s enjoyment.
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