Since his childhood, Drew Bowman has been involved with his family's fourth-generation turkey farming operation, Bowman & Landes, located in New Carlisle, Ohio. Drew's grandfather, Ken, established Bowman & Landes more than 70 years ago with a close friend, Dennis Landes. Since it was established, Bowman & Landes has taken its responsibility for growing safe, wholesome turkey for Ohioans very seriously. Bowman & Landes is unique to other turkey farms because it raises free-range turkeys that have access to pastureland without the use of antibiotics. Drew is primarily involved with the farm's sales and marketing, but is always ready to help out in other areas.
"We take extra measures to ensure we are doing the right thing and are respected in our community and by our farming peers," said Drew. "We are glad to provide high-quality, wholesale turkey products to families around Ohio."
What is your role on the farm?
I primarily am involved with sales and marketing. However, we are a small company, so I help in other areas when needed.
How is your farm involved in the local community?
Bowman & Landes supports the local school district (Bethel Local Schools) and community by supporting local causes, fundraisers, etc. We also strive to be good stewards of our land and mindful of our neighbors' needs.
Every year we select several local non-profit food pantries/organizations to donate meat to for those in need. We also donate our products to various fundraisers throughout the year.
What measures are taken on your farm to protect and preserve the environment?
We try to be good stewards of our land. We have two solar arrays (totaling 130 kilowatts) that provide about 25% of our energy consumption needs. We also recycle cardboard and plastic, and utilize no-till/minimum-till farming practices to preserve our soil.
What measures are taken on your farm to ensure the health and productivity of flocks?
We enforce strict biosecurity controls to ensure the health of our turkeys. We limit access to our turkeys to only those caring for them to minimize health issues. Our flocks have access to fresh air and sunshine when the weather conditions are good.
What does it mean to work with your family?
I am fortunate to work alongside my father (Carl), aunt (Anita) and cousin (Jon). We also have a close relationship with our business partners - the Landes family. I am very lucky to be surrounded by great people who truly care for one another.