Dwayne Woolhouse, who farms near Assiniboia, Sask., was recognized for excellence in organic farming at a recent meeting of the Organic Crop Improvement Association International.
OCIA is a leading organic group, with offices in Canada, the United States, Latin America, Asia and Europe. The OCIA research and education board developed the Outstanding Organic Farmer of the Year award to showcase individuals who excel in cropping and livestock practice, who are good stewards of the natural environment and who are committed to the organic community.
The Woolhouse farm, Crestview Organic Farms Inc., has been certified since 1992. The farm integrates cropping and livestock with careful soil building.
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The Woolhouses use rotations based on cereals, legumes and green manures. Within this general framework, they include as much diversity as possible.
They have grown durum, kamut, oats, rye, canaryseed, field peas, forage peas, chickpeas, black lentils, large green lentils, small red lentils, French green lentils, golden lentils, chickling vetch and fenugreek.
Green manures are used to improve soil fertility and for weed control. Woolhouse believes it is important to rotate green manures, as well as cash crops, because each crop brings its own unique benefits.
Woolhouse manages weeds through crop rotation and increased seeding rates. Delayed seeding also reduces weeds. Woolhouse pre-works the land in spring, pulling a roller behind the cultivator.
The roller reduces erosion and conserves moisture. It also encourages a flush of weeds that are eliminated at seeding.
Woolhouse is also an innovator in the development of weed control machinery. He invented a machine for clipping weeds above short crops such as lentils.
The clipper has been modified to cause more damage to weeds. Tests of Woolhouse’s technology at Agriculture Canada’s Scott Research Farm showed that weed clipping reduces weed seed production, especially of taller weeds such as wild oats and wild mustard, and thus is important in long-term weed management.
On-farm weed
clipping helps the crop look good to passersby.
He has also built a machine for scorching Canada thistle patches.
Woolhouse also raises bison. The bison graze hilly land that shouldn’t be cultivated. The animals eat screenings and slough grass. He doesn’t castrate or even wean the herd. He believes that the bison know what is best for themselves. When it’s time to slaughter, it’s done on-farm to eliminate handling or transportation stress.
Care for the environment at Crestview Organic Farms extends beyond cropping and livestock. The yard is managed organically, and drought-resistant plants are used for water conservation.
Conservation is also important at Crestview. The Woolhouses saved a local elevator that had been scheduled for demolition and use it for grain storage. As well, they have planted long rows of trees to enhance diversity, improve moisture storage and reduce erosion.
Care for people is also evident at Crestview Organic Farms. The farm’s safety program includes attention to detail and proper safety equipment.
Woolhouse has been active in his community as a scout and 4-H leader and a volunteer with the library and museum.
He is also actively involved in the organic community and has served on local, provincial and international committees to promote organic agriculture and to improve and regulate its practice.
He helps other organic producers by speaking at conferences, teaching introductory organic courses, mentoring new producers and opening his farm to tours.
Woolhouse and his wife, Jean, have four children, and hope to see the next generation also involved in farming.
Frick is the prairie co-ordinator for the Organic Agriclture Centre of Canada located at the University of Saskatchewan. She can be reached at 306-966-4975, at brenda.frick@usask.ca, or www.organicagcentre.ca.
