The time period “natural” usually evokes photographs of lush inexperienced fields, considerable crops, and wealthy soil, which is right. Nevertheless, at One Diploma Organics, we additionally view the phrase “natural” by way of the lens of exhausting work, unwavering dedication, and a deep ardour for working with nature.
We perceive that attaining transparency in our meals methods will 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 pleased with each ingredient we supply.
Not too long ago, we flew again to Northern Alberta to go to a number of the unimaginable oat farmers we work with, and what an unforgettable expertise it was!
This stunning area of Canada is famend for producing a number of the finest oats on the planet and strolling by way of 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 part of us on a journey by way of 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 elements.
Our Journey to The Farms
Upon touchdown in Alberta, we had been met by sturdy northern winds, which added to the appeal of this stunning a part of Canada. The breathtaking landscapes had been the view of the five-hour drive to the crop-filled farms that might quickly grow to be the backdrop of our story.
Our first cease was the family-owned farm of Peter Wiebe, the place the sense of household and group was instantly palpable. We had been welcomed into his residence and given a private tour of the property. Peter demonstrated his progressive methods for utilizing gear to handle crops, successfully controlling weeds with out harming the crops or the soil. This was simply one among 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 dad and mom to 2 younger kids, and he’s desirous to share his information and fervour for natural farming with them as they age. Ernest is a younger, hardworking particular person dedicated to offering grains free from toxins and chemical substances. His motivation goes past merely caring about what goes into your breakfast bowl. It’s a ardour for studying learn how to work with nature to develop the most effective nutrient-rich grains.
Picture: Ernest Peters, his spouse & their two younger children (high). Kathy & Alonna with the farm cats (backside left). Ernest holding his son whereas strolling with Stan & exhibiting 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 do-it-yourself 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 children (high). The Rabiey farm (backside left). Brad & his dad talking to Stan about their farm (backside proper).
Brad’s dad and mom had been on the household farm once 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 fingers. 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 a substitute, he was diligently making 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 begin every day. He notes that probably the most difficult facet of rising natural crops is coping with weeds, as he doesn’t use chemical substances which might be generally utilized on standard farms to manage them. Whereas natural farming requires extra effort, Michael is all the time desirous to be taught and develop his information as a farmer.
Picture: Our oat farm companion, 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 companion, Peter Lundgard. Their partnership and shared information stood out as invaluable belongings on the 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 companion, 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 way of one among his fields, explaining that weeds are a pure facet of natural farming. For Herman, oats should not solely important for his livelihood but in addition a staple in his family. He expressed nice enthusiasm on the prospect of seeing the One Diploma Organics packaging that might 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 way of the areas the place her mother grew up. She loved being there along 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 in regards to the secret behind our high quality oats, we confidently attribute the excellence of our gluten-free oats to the sturdy partnerships we develop from the onset with our farmers
Discussing natural farming is one factor, however strolling by way of 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 in addition wholesome for the atmosphere—an ethos that resonates deeply
Picture: (left to proper) Alonna, Stan & Kathy Smith, Rebecca, Brad Rabiey & their two children.
Kathy describes her go to to Brad and Rebecca’s stunning farm as really inspiring. Listening to their journey from standard farming to natural—sparked by the thought, “If we don’t spray our residence backyard, then why are we spraying chemical substances 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 had 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 liked seeing the farmers’ pleasure, figuring out that they’d quickly get pleasure from 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 likely one of the finest methods to ascertain 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 on important pure components like daylight and rain for crop progress and any deviation—can jeopardize their harvest.
Experiencing these farms firsthand offers a deeper appreciation for the in depth work concerned in natural farming—managing weeds, innovating methods, and educating oneself about soil well being, to call a number of. Natural farming is much extra advanced 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 strategy to agriculture that prioritizes the well being of individuals and the planet. At its core, natural farming prohibits using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and artificial pesticides, guaranteeing that dangerous toxins don’t enter the meals we eat. This dedication not solely safeguards our well being but in addition contributes to a decreased carbon footprint, making natural practices a extra sustainable alternative for farming.
Natural farming relies on practices that not solely defend environmental well being but in addition search methods to enhance it. Quite 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 way of sustainable practices corresponding 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 objective has all the time been to offer the very best high quality, toxin-free natural merchandise to your on a regular basis enjoyment. We consider in transparency; as we wish to say, “No secrets and techniques, simply elements.” Selecting natural meals not solely enhances your well being but in addition promotes environmental sustainability.
Herman defined that natural farming is vital 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. Nevertheless, since he found One Diploma Organics, it has grow to be the one model of oats he eats, as they don’t make him bloat.
At One Diploma Organics, our objective has all the time been to offer the very best high quality, toxin-free natural merchandise to your on a regular basis enjoyment. We consider in transparency; as we wish to say, “No secrets and techniques, simply elements.”
Consuming natural means:
- Your meals comprises greater ranges of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in comparison with standard choices.
- Your meals has considerably decreased publicity to dangerous pesticides and chemical substances that may accumulate within the physique over time.
- Your meals is grown with a give attention to preserving nature, selling biodiversity, bettering 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 vital 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 got the verified labels to show it.
What’s in Retailer for the Future
Through the years, we’ve got visited numerous farms, and every go to solely fuels our anticipation for the subsequent. Better of all, we all the time stay up for sharing the unimaginable tales of our farmers with you.
Because of our 100% traceable merchandise, you get to learn the way our elements are grown, why natural is the more healthy choice, and uncover the the reason why we journey far and vast to deliver this high quality to your breakfast desk.
Picture: The Smith household & Peter Weibe farm strolling by way of the sector of Peter’s farm.
We perceive that figuring out extra about your meals is vital to our shoppers, which is why these farm journeys are an important half in offering you with extra transparency. Each time you select One Diploma Organics you’ll be able to relaxation assured that our elements have been fastidiously sourced, grown and harvested for your loved ones’s enjoyment.
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