Congratulations, ROO Graduates!
The COG team is thrilled to share the fantastic news that our very first program cohort including five participating farms have successfully completed their three-year commitment to our Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) program and are becoming the very first alumni of the program.
Over the last three years, the ROO program has challenged these incredible farmers to build and sustain their regenerative farming systems, trial new concepts, embrace great successes and adapt to inevitable bumps in the road. These five farms were introduced to the program when ROO was taking its first big steps into the Prairie fields, and they helped shape ROO into what it is today — a farmer-forward educational program that builds connection across the Prairies, emphasizes knowledge transfer among peers, and provides on-farm data collection for tracking regenerative triumphs.
Although they have graduated from the program, their journeys are far from complete. Each of the graduates contributes a profound understanding of regenerative principles to the community, and their abundance of knowledge continues to inspire those around them. They not only have the spirit to drive positive change forward, but also the know-how to get the job done. We cannot wait to see these farmers shine on and pave the way for regenerative farming in Canada and beyond.
Without further ado, here are the ROO Graduates of 2025.
Ryan
Over the past couple years, by focusing on more regenerative practices, we have been able to significantly reduce tillage in our fields while maintaining good control of weed populations.
Ryan and his family are titans of regenerative organic farming, and we are endlessly grateful for his contributions to the ROO program. He led great discussions on intercropping and Brix measurements at our 2023 field days and became a brilliant liaison between ROO and one of our partner funders, MGM Seed and Grain, as a Grain Procurement Specialist. His vast experience with organic grain production has consistently benefitted other ROO participants and his own community in Saskatoon, SK.
Colin
When asked why he made the decision to transition to regenerative organic farming, Colin said:
It is the right thing to do for the future of your farm.
Colin has always been a force of nature in the ROO program and in his own busy life running Sylvan Lake Farms. He is a jack of all trades and has played many roles in the agriculture world which has led him to be a great leader in the organic farming sector. Colin started off organic and quickly found his way into regenerative farming, where his expertise has grown and flourished during his time with ROO.
Stacey and Dale
When asked what advice they would give to producers thinking about transitioning to regenerative organic farming, Stacey and Dale said:
Find a group that understands you and can relate.
Stacey and Dale are a dynamic duo who have taken the regenerative world by storm. Together, they operate White Owl Farms in Canora, SK and have implemented unique regenerative principles in their systems to see what’s working, and what needs to change. They have a vigor for learning and became dedicated students of regenerative organic farming over the years with ROO. Their quick wits brought them amazing successes on their farm, and their positivity shines through in every discussion they share with fellow participants, farmers, and producers.
David
Every oat we grow is a step toward healthier soil, cleaner air, and a more resilient food system. Regenerative oats aren’t just a crop, they’re a commitment to the future.
David has never shied away from a challenge, and the ROO program is so fortunate to have had him share his knowledge and experiences with the team and the community. He is incredibly passionate about building soil health with context-specific solutions, and he has a knack for curiosity and is always looking for ways to improve. David runs Katerynych Family Farms with ample talent, and even though he has graduated from the program, we are eager to propel ROO forward with this spectacular alumnus.
Tyler and Allan
It’s important to take care of the soil, so it can take care of you.
Tyler and Allan are a father and son duo with generations of knowledge to share, and they harbour generous personalities that bring joy everywhere they go. They operate Meadow View Ranch together in Kipling, SK, and their enthusiasm for learning about the regenerative principles is unmatched. These two are passionate learners who love diving into farming successes and breaking down farming lows. The ROO program is privileged to have hosted Tyler and Allan as pupils, and though we are sad to let them go, we are also honoured to see them off as mighty alumni.
Welcoming In the Newest ROO Participants
Without the incredible efforts from these five participating farms, ROO would look very different from what it is today. We would like to thank these alumni so much for all their hard work throughout the years, and we cannot wait to see where you go on your regenerative organic journeys.
However, when one door shuts, another door opens. As the ROO program is seeing the 2025 Graduates off, it is also welcoming in a brand new cohort of farm participants to the group. These farms are starting their three-year journey with ROO this year, and we can only imagine the many adventures, wild journeys, and amazing learning opportunities lie ahead for them. Please join us in welcoming the following farmers to the ROO program:
- Dan from Top of the Hill Farm
- Jake
- Donna and Marc from Sandy Grove
- Martin from Ole Lifeways Ltd.
- Steve
- Wayne from WWR Omelchuk Farms Inc.
- Chad
- Leanne and Stu from Tobin Ranch Ltd.
- Rory
To Conclude
A very big congratulations to the 2025 ROO graduates, and a very big welcome to the newest cohort! We are looking forward to celebrating and progressing the Regenerative Organic Oats program with you all.
To learn more about the Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) program, visit our ROO webpage or contact Dorthea Gregoire, the Director of Education, Extension and Outreach at dorthea.gregoire@cog.ca.