mEET THE OWENS FAMILY
In 1963, a legacy was born when Justin's grandfather, Gary Owens, acquired the farm becoming the second stewards of the land since it was homesteaded. Nestled amidst the undulating hills beneath the Rocks of Sharon, Owens Farms emerged as a bastion of equestrian excellence up and down the west coast, boarding & breeding over 200 elite broodmares annually during its illustrious tenure as a premier Thoroughbred stud farm. However, in the 1980s, a desire to return to his roots led to a transformative shift and the farm transitioned into a revered cattle ranch. By the turn of the new millennium, Owens Farms cemented its status as a distinguished breeder and exhibitor of Piedmontese cattle. Gary left his mark on the breed by founding North American Piedmontese Association for breeders in the United States and Canada.
In 2005, fate dealt a challenging hand with Gary's diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Confronted with his diagnosis, Gary decided to part ways with the herd, retaining only a select cache of genetic treasures: a trove of meticulously preserved semen vials and a treasury of several hundred embryos, remnants of the farm's storied past. Owens Farms underwent a transformative downsizing.
In 2013, amid casual banter amongst fellow ranchers, a simple question kindled profound curiosity: which genetic lineage would reign supreme—the time-honored embryos harvested two decades prior, or the contemporary progeny gracing the pastures today? Justin embarked on an audacious experiment, opting to implant the legacy embryos, relics of National Grand Champions, into the fabric of the farm's future. What ensued was a testament to perseverance and passion, as the recipient herd of surrogate cows burgeoned from humble beginnings to a formidable force of over one hundred fifty strong.
In 2015, Justin and Lauren embarked on a transformative journey to Italy
They immersed themselves in the culture of family, agriculture, and tradition. From visits with local family ranchers to exploring the national Piedmontese headquarters, their voyage was a tapestry of enlightening experiences. This odyssey became the genesis of their architectural endeavors, culminating in the purposeful design of their new facilities. Justin and Lauren gleaned invaluable lessons during their Italian sojourn—discovering the profound intentionality woven into every facet of life, from animal housing to animal psychology.
However, it was a pivotal visit to m**bun in Turin that left an indelible imprint on their ethos. Delving into the narrative behind the establishment and encountering the simple yet profound gesture of a phone number on the cash register—a conduit to the very farm that provided their beef—propelled them towards a paradigm shift. Inspired by this transparency and accessibility, they resolved to imbue their enterprise with these values, ensuring that visiting the farm and conversing with the farmers became not just feasible but effortless.
In 2016, the farm’s next chapter unfolded with the completion of a state-of-the-art facility. Spanning five meticulously crafted barns encompassing approximately 26,000 square feet, the facility stands as a testament to Owens Farms' commitment to ushering traditional ranching practices into the modern age. From hay storage to veterinary facilities, from open-bedded cow barns to birthing stalls, every facet of this visionary complex is imbued with a dedication to efficiency, sustainability, and, above all, the comfort and safety of the cattle.
Since 2015, Justin harbored an audacious aspiration—to witness Piedmontese beef become a ubiquitous culinary treasure within his lifetime. After years entrenched in the seedstock domain, the realization dawned that the manifestation of this dream rested solely in their hands.
Thus, propelled by unwavering determination and a shared vision, Justin and Lauren assumed the mantle of architects of their gastronomic destiny.
In the pursuit of perfection, they embarked on a journey to redefine the very essence of beef production, fashioning a bespoke label that epitomizes their uncompromising standards. Their ethos embodies a holistic approach, wherein every facet of the animal—from nose to tail, including the hide—is utilized, leaving no room for waste.
