Henry Miller, the great-grandfather of the founding stockholders of Bowles Farming Company, founded Miller & Lux, Inc. in 1858. Originally focused on livestock, Miller & Lux later expanded into farming, meat processing, water, and related activities. The company became a significant landowner, owning over a million acres across California, Nevada, and Oregon.
Brothers George and Henry Bowles, along with their sister Amy Bowles Lawrence, established Bowles Farming Company in 1965. With a strong foundation in agriculture and a commitment to sustainable practices, the company embarked on its journey to become a renowned farming enterprise.
Tragically, in 1967, Amy Bowles Lawrence, one of the founders, passed away, leaving behind four children. This marked a transition in leadership and the beginning of the next chapter for Bowles Farming Company.
In 1981, Henry Bowles, another founder of Bowles Farming Company, passed away, leaving three children to carry on the family legacy. Despite the loss, the company persisted under the guidance of the Bowles and Lawrence families, ensuring its continued success and growth.
Today, Bowles Farming Company operates on a mix of lands owned outright, lands leased from family members, and lands leased from third parties. The current President, Cannon Michael, is the grandson of Henry Bowles, while Philip Bowles, son of Henry, serves as the Chairman.
Bowles Farming Company is headquartered on its ranch at 11609 South Hereford Road in Los Banos, California, with a satellite office in San Francisco. For more information on the fascinating history of Miller & Lux, please read David Igler’s book, “Industrial Cowboys”.
