Oats
Ernest Peters
At One Degree Organics we believe in the connection between healthy soil and healthy plants, and the people who know more than a thing or two about growing clean ingredients are our organic oat farmers. Upon our recent visit to the sprawling prairies of Alberta, we were lucky enough to visit our organic oat farmer Ernest.
Ernest has spent many years perfecting the art of growing clean and healthy crops. Organic farming for our farm partners is not merely a trend; it is a deeply ingrained way of life grounded in hard work, dedication, and a commitment to sustainable practices that work with nature.
The essence of our visit extended beyond the rich crop fields of Ernest’s farm, from the meaningful conversations we shared to gaining invaluable insights into how our ingredients are grown and learning about the practices of organic farming. These visits help us tell their story and bridge the gap between farm and table.
With four years of organic farming experience, Ernest has acquired a wealth of knowledge about sustainable farming. He employs practices such as planting cover crops to enhance soil health and combat erosion. Additionally, crop rotation—alternating between oats, peas, and clover—plays a crucial role in enriching the soil with necessary nutrients.
While organic farming offers numerous environmental and health benefits, it also presents unique challenges compared to conventional methods. For instance, in conventional farming weeds are controlled by spraying crops with glyphosate, however, in organic farming weeds are managed through tillage. Tillage is the process of turning over soil to prepare for planting and control weeds and pests.
Like all farming, crops are at the mercy of unpredictable weather conditions that can significantly impact crop yields. Ernest shared that his farm has faced low yields due to drought, prompting him to consider under-seeding clover for nitrogen fixation. By closely monitoring weather patterns and soil health, farmers can make informed decisions about which crops to plant and harvest, ensuring they maximize their quality yields.
Ernest says that oats can grow within a three-month cycle, and he is continually seeking ways to enhance his farming practices in response to the increasing consumer demand for clean ingredients. It is farmers like Ernest who tirelessly maintain their fields, enabling more families the access to enjoy nutritious, wholesome breakfasts with peace of mind.
We are proud to be sourcing our glyphosate-free, gluten-free, clean oats from farmers like Ernest who share our passion of clean, nourishing foods.