Regenerative Organic Oats Farm Visit: Medicine Hat, AB

Have you ever looked out across a field and wondered what the little red tents or small blue plastic huts are? COG’s Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) team got the opportunity to get up close and personal with them on our tour of Get Growing Organic Farm in Medicine Hat, AB. As our host Andy Wagman shared, these small tents are home to leafcutter bees that are crucial to the pollination of several crops most notably alfalfa and in this case buckwheat.

Contrary to popular belief, buckwheat is not a cereal/grass but rather a broadleaf plant with a bit of a vining nature, full heart shaped leaves and beautiful white flowers. The seeds from buckwheat are often ground to make a flour or used as groats (whole seeds) as an alternative for rice in dishes such as cabbage rolls. The groats have a unique pyramid shape and a delicious flavour making them a great addition to your evening meals!

Who could resist an invitation to tour such a beautiful farm! Nestled on the shores of the South Saskatchewan River is Get Growing Organic Farm 
Leafcutter bee huts provide shelter for these very beneficial insects as they work to pollinate the crops around them.
We were able to get a closer look at the inner workings of the leafcutter bee hut!
Leafcutter bees love Buckwheat! Buckwheat is great for pollinators and soil health.

Thank you to Get Growing Organic Farm for welcoming the ROO team!

Want to learn more about how COG supports Prairie organic oat growers in adopting regen organic practices? Check out our Regenerative Organic Oats program.


Author: Dorthea Gregoire

ROO Program Manager 

Regenerative Organic Oats

Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) is a three-year pilot project funded by Nature’s Path, Riverside Naturals Foods producers of the snack brand MadeGood and MGM Seed and Grain that supports and bolsters the growth of the Canadian regenerative organic oats supply in the face of climate change. ROO supports Prairie organic oat growers in adopting regenerative practices and transitioning to regenerative organic management.