How We Grow Grain

How We Grow Grain at Living Sky Farms

One of the questions we receive most often is about how our grain is grown. Are our grains GMO? Do we use glyphosate? Are we organic?

The answer isn't as simple as checking a box, so we wanted to take a moment to explain our farming practices and the philosophy behind them.

Are Your Grains GMO?

No. None of the grains we grow or sell are GMO.

Many consumers are surprised to learn that GMO cereal grains are not sold directly by Canadian farmers. GMO crops are patented and grown under contract, meaning farmers who grow them are required to deliver their entire production back to the company that owns the variety.

Because of this system, consumers would only encounter GMO grains as ingredients in processed foods manufactured by large companies that source ingredients through commercial supply chains.

We have never grown or sold GMO grains, and all of the grains available from Living Sky Farms are non-GMO.

Are You Organic?

The short answer is no, we are not certified organic.

However, our farming practices are guided by a goal that goes beyond organic certification: rebuilding healthy soil.

We believe that healthy soil produces healthy plants, healthy food, and a healthier ecosystem. Our focus is on creating a farming system that is sustainable for the land, the environment, and future generations.

Our Approach to Soil Health

Modern agriculture has left many soils dependent on synthetic fertilizers. While some farmers choose to stop using them entirely, we believe a gradual transition is more responsible for our land.

Our soils have become reliant on synthetic nutrients over decades of farming. Removing them overnight would create significant challenges, including severe weed pressure and reduced crop quality.

Instead, we are steadily reducing our dependence on synthetic fertilizers while increasing organic matter through practices that help rebuild soil biology and long-term fertility.

Our goal is to restore the natural systems that allow soil to feed itself.

Do You Use Glyphosate or Pesticides?

We do not use glyphosate or pesticides as part of our normal production practices, and we never chemically desiccate (dry down) our crops before harvest.

That said, farming is heavily influenced by weather, disease pressure, and environmental conditions. On rare occasions, we may need to intervene to save a crop.

For example:

• In wet years, we have used fungicides to prevent stem rot in crops such as Einkorn. Our heavy clay soils and periods of excessive rainfall can create conditions where crops begin to mold or rot in the field.
• We have occasionally used targeted herbicides when weed pressure threatened an entire crop. One example was a spelt field where broadleaf weeds were preventing the grain from receiving adequate sunlight and moisture.

These decisions are never made lightly. Our philosophy is to avoid chemical intervention whenever possible and only use it when necessary to preserve the crop and maintain food quality.

From Farm to Fork

Once our grain is harvested, we do not add preservatives, conditioners, or synthetic additives to our grains or flours.

Our goal is simple: provide a clean, wholesome food product while caring for the land that produces it.

Every year we learn more, improve our practices, and continue working toward a farming system that relies less on synthetic inputs and more on healthy, living soil.

Our Commitment

We understand that every family has different preferences and priorities when it comes to food. We respect those differences and believe consumers deserve transparency about how their food is produced.

We're committed to continually improving our farming practices, rebuilding our soil, and providing grain products that are as natural, healthy, and sustainable as possible.

If you have questions about how we grow our grain or would like more information, please let us know - we are always happy to answer any questions!