Innovative Practices in Farming: A Spotlight on Will Bowdish

Will Bowdish, a dedicated farmer with deep agricultural roots, operates on a legacy that dates back to the 1800s in northern Oregon. After relocating the family business across the Columbia River to southern Washington in 1985, Will and his wife, Tessa, now manage around 1,200 acres of farmland, with approximately half of it being irrigated. Their main crops include soft white wheat, barley, and hay, which also supports a thriving 120-pair cow-calf operation.

15 Minutes with Will Bowdish

For those interested in catching a glimpse of Will’s farming approach, be sure to watch this episode of 15 Minutes with a Farmer.

Embracing Regenerative Agriculture

Will’s journey into regenerative practices began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially accessing webinars tailored for Midwestern farmers, he soon adapted these lessons for use in his drier environment. “I have no rain from April to October,” he notes. This prompted him to plant diverse forage mixes, incorporating 12 to 26 species in his cover crops, enriching soil structure and enhancing the farm’s productivity.

With most of the precipitation falling during winter, the area’s short spring season poses challenges. Will’s implementation of multi-species mixes has made a noticeable difference. “Now the water isn’t ponding, which expands our season and our ability to manage land,” he states. This method also provides his cattle with a varied diet, improving their grazing experiences.

Utilizing rotational grazing on 600 irrigated acres, Will maintains a balance between seeded perennials and an annual mix of hay and grain. He observes that the cool nights in his region slow down growth, necessitating longer grazing rotations of 40 days, with cattle moving between 5- to 7-acre plots every few days.

Creating Added Value

To remain competitive, especially in a non-high-yield environment, Will is shifting his focus toward direct-to-consumer sales and value-added products. “In the commodity market here, we just can’t compete,” he explains, highlighting the necessity for innovation. Will has embraced beef sales via the ranch’s website and is collaborating with cooperatives, such as Country Natural Beef. This group consists of about 95 family ranches across the Western United States, all committed to sustainable and humane practices.

Participating in this co-op enables Will to offer a product that values both environmental integrity and community. “I’m not in a high producing area, so to be economically viable, we must add value,” he shares, stressing the importance of co-ops in providing resources that individual farmers often lack.

Will also engages directly with consumers by sampling beef at grocery stores in nearby Portland. “It’s amazing to connect with consumers on a personal level and discuss our practices,” he adds, referring to the positive impact of these interactions.

Listen To the Podcast

Further insights can be found by listening to the 15 Minutes with a Farmer podcast. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Conclusion

Will Bowdish exemplifies the spirit of modern farming through innovation and collaboration while honoring a rich agricultural heritage. His commitment to regenerative practices and direct consumer engagement reflects a forward-thinking approach in an ever-evolving industry.

This structured article covers Will Bowdish’s farming practices, highlighting innovative approaches and personal anecdotes, while maintaining proper HTML formatting for WordPress integration.