Bowden family wins farming award after combining two dairy herds

The awards ceremony took place at London’s Farmers Club on November 5. The Bowdens were recognised for their work towards a sustainable, long-term business, including decisions about how family members would share responsibility for its development.

Alec Bowden, 34, entered the dairy partnership in 2022 and subsequently assumed responsibility for running and developing the enterprise. His experience includes agricultural and business management as well as practical work on restructuring the operation.

The family brought its two herds together in one unit to simplify management and reduce costs. The autumn-calving herd now numbers approximately 430 cows. Annual milk production averages around 10,000 litres per cow, including 3,500 litres from forage. Saputo buys the farm’s milk.

Investment has included new accommodation for the dairy cattle, while a rotary milking parlour with 60 points has been ordered. The family intends these facilities to improve efficiency and working conditions, support herd expansion and make the operation easier for employees to manage.

The farm also uses genomic testing and collars that monitor activity to improve herd performance. Changes to slurry storage and nutrient management are helping it use resources available on the farm more effectively.

ForFarmers account manager Matt Jenkin said the family had carefully considered the business’s direction and individual members’ roles, with efficiency and financial sustainability guiding its decisions. He said much of the planning had already been implemented and that Alec was leading substantial changes in the dairy with support from the wider family.