Northern Alberta is home to our oat farming partner, Michael Scott, who practices organic agriculture. Originally from Scotland, Michael worked as a farmer there before moving to Canada in search of better opportunities. Upon our arrival at his farm, Michael was inside a combine tending to his farm. As we walked through his farm, he passionately discussed the benefits of organic farming. Although it demands tremendous effort, Michael shared that he firmly believes in the rewards of farming organically. 

Michael employs plant-based methods to cultivate clean, organic food, consistently achieving superior quality compared to conventional farming. He practices green cropping on his farm which he said is essential for producing robust and healthy crops. 

According to Michael, the quality of his soil is also a crucial. Throughout the year, he nurtures the soil by growing turnips and alfalfa-not for consumption, but solely to enrich the soil. When Stan asked him about his preferred nitrogen sources, Michael shared that clovers and alfalfas contribute more nitrogen to the roots and leave greater residual benefits than crops like peas. 

In conventional farming, there is a fixed, step-by-step process that remains constant. In contrast, organic farming is inherently unpredictable; it often involves discovering and sharing new methods, tricks, and techniques. While this can lead to increased labor, it also fosters creativity and passion. 

Michael elaborated on his farming practices, highlighting the advantages of crop rotation. He incorporates brassicas into his rotation and aims to diversify his crops to support various types of microbes. He cautioned that planting brassicas too frequently can make them prone to disease, which is why it’s essential for farmers to cultivate a variety of species simultaneously. This approach nourishes diverse microbes and benefits the soil over time. 

Michael loves growing oats, as they are easy to cultivate and thrive in this region. Their fast growth allows them to outcompete weeds effectively, making them a valuable addition to his rotation. 

Raised on a farm, Michael always envisioned dedicating his life to agriculture. As a child, he would rush home from school to help on the farm, and his passion for farming has only intensified since then. This dedication has brought him countless reasons to celebrate during good harvest seasons and to work harder during leaner times. Every day brings new challenges and experiences. 

He outlined the challenges of organic farming, particularly in terms of weed control, and stressed the need for continuous management and learning. He acknowledged that, as a conventional farmer, he could rely on herbicides, but he believes strongly in avoiding such practices. Michael manages 1,500 acres organically, growing oats, peas, and pasture, and he has been practicing organic farming for nine years. 

He values the variety and challenges associated with daily farming tasks, as well as the satisfaction of managing living ecosystems. Michael also spoke about the strong sense of community among local farmers and the importance of soil health and nutrient density in his farming philosophy. 

He mentioned that farmers in the area frequently exchange ideas, fostering a supportive community.  

We are proud to source our quality, clean sprouted oats from Michael Scott’s farm and hope that you and your family enjoy the nourishment that comes with each healthy serving of our Sprouted Oats.