Will Bowdish, a descendant of 19th-century homesteaders from northern Oregon, along with his wife Tessa, manages a 1,200-acre ranch in southern Washington. Their farming journey began when his family relocated across the Columbia River in 1985. Today, they cultivate a variety of crops, primarily soft white wheat, which is exported to markets in Portland and Asia, alongside barley and hay, the latter supporting a 120-pair cow-calf operation.
Insights from Will Bowdish
During the pandemic, Bowdish engaged in webinars about regenerative agriculture practices, primarily aimed at Midwestern farmers. He began to adapt these concepts to his own conditions, characterized by a lack of rainfall from April to October.
Implementing multi-species forage mixes and cover crops, he experimented with blends ranging from 12 to 26 different species, including grasses, legumes, and broadleaf plants. This approach has significantly enhanced soil structure, allowing for better water retention and extending the growing season.
Bowdish practices rotational grazing on 600 irrigated acres, balancing seeded perennials with annual hay and grain crops. With the local climate's cold nights, he maintains a 40-day rotation cycle, moving cattle between small plots every few days.
Creating Value Through Direct Sales
To thrive in a competitive market, Bowdish is focusing on direct-to-consumer sales and value-added products. He sells beef through the ranch's website and collaborates with cooperatives like Country Natural Beef, which comprises around 95 family ranches across the West, including Hawaii. This cooperative model emphasizes animal welfare and sustainable practices.
Bowdish actively promotes Country Natural Beef by offering samples in local grocery stores, fostering direct connections with consumers. He encourages fellow farmers and ranchers to explore cooperative opportunities, emphasizing that these collaborations can provide valuable resources and marketing support.