Dwayne Woolhouse Named OCIA Outstanding Organic Farmer of 2006

By Brenda Frick, Ph.D.

Assiniboia area farmer, Dwayne Woolhouse, was recognized for excellence in organic farming at the annual general membership meeting of OCIA International. OCIA (Organic Crop Improvement Association) is one of the world’s foremost organic groups, 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, is located just south of Assiniboia, SK. Certified since 1992, the farm integrates cropping and livestock, with careful soil building. 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, canary seed, field pea, forage pea, chickpea, black lentil, large green lentil, small red lentil, French green lentil, golden lentil, chickling vetch, and fenugreek. Green manures are used for soil fertility and for weed control. Dwayne believes it is important to rotate green manures as well as cash crops, because each different crop brings its own unique benefits.

Dwayne manages weeds through crop rotation, and increased seeding rates. Delayed seeding also reduces weeds. Dwayne 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.

Dwayne is also an innovator in the development of weed control machinery. He invented a machine for clipping weeds above short crops such as lentil. The clipper has been modified and improved to maximize its weed damaging effect. Tests of Dwayne’s technology at the Scott Research Farm of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 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 also helps the crop look good to passers by. Dwayne has also built a machine for scorching Canada thistle patches.

Dwayne raises bison. He finds that bison fit nicely into the farming operation. The bison graze land that is hilly and shouldn’t be cultivated. They eat screenings and slough grass. Dwayne’s approach to the bison is very natural. He doesn’t castrate, or even wean the herd. He believes that the bison know what is best for them. When it is time to slaughter the bison, it is done on farm. This eliminating any handling or transportation stress.

Care for the environment at Crestview Organic Farms extends beyond cropping and livestock. The yard is managed entirely organically, and drought resistant plants are used for water conservation. Conservation is also the theme behind their major recycling project. They saved a local elevator that was scheduled to be demolished. Instead of burning these tons of lumber, the elevator is now at Crestview and is used for grain storage. The Woolhouses have planted miles of trees to enhance diversity, improve moisture storage and reduce erosion.

Care for people is also evident at Crestview Organic Farms. Their safety program includes attention to detail and proper safety equipment. Dwayne has been active in his community as a scout and 4H leader and a volunteer with the library and museum.

Dwayne is also actively involved in the organic community. He 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, by mentoring new producers and by opening his farm to tours.

Dwayne and his wife, Jean, have four children, and hope to see the next generation also involved in farming.

Brenda Frick, Ph.D., P.Ag., is the Prairie Coordinator for the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada at the College of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan. She welcomes your comments at 306-966-4975 or via email at brenda.frick@usask.ca .

This article first appeared in The Western Producer, and is published here on the OACC website with permission.

Posted on the OACC website, April 2006