In early April, winter is not quite over in Powell, Wyoming. Some days are still cold enough to remind us that spring has only just begun. But for our growers, it is time to start planting oats.

Before planting begins, we visit our growers and inspect the equipment that will be used for planting. We carefully check the planter, trucks, and other equipment to help ensure that no grains other than oats remain from previous use. These visual inspections are an important part of our process to help prevent gluten contamination and give us greater confidence in producing truly gluten-free oats.

During one of these visits, I had the opportunity to climb up onto a tractor and ride along with one of our growers. It was loud, dusty, and definitely required earplugs—but it was also exciting. Seeing our oats being planted in the Wyoming soil reminded me that another season had officially begun.

I am originally from Japan, and when I started this oat business in Wyoming six years ago, I never imagined that I would one day be climbing onto farm equipment, walking through fields in muddy boots, and inspecting planting equipment.

But now, these moments have become some of my favorite parts of what we do. From the very beginning of the growing season, we are involved in helping protect the integrity of our oats. I truly enjoy being part of the journey and watching our oats grow—from a tiny seed in the ground to the gluten-free oats we are proud to share with our customers.

And every spring, I find myself hoping for the same thing: that this year's oats will grow beautifully.

April 8^th, 2026

Noriko Tenhulzen