The votes have been tallied, and thanks to our esteemed panel of judges, we’re pleased to announce that this year’s California Leopold Conservation Award recipient is Bowles Farming Company of Merced County.
Cannon Michael, Bowles Farming Company President, was presented with the $10,000 award during the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting on December 9.
About Bowles
With more than 160 years of farming the same land, the importance of responsible agriculture is not lost on the Bowles and Lawrence families. Trends come and go, but sustainability and resilience have defined this family business for generations.
Bowles Farming Company’s roots trace back to when Henry Miller began farming in the San Joaquin Valley in 1858. Miller is also credited with establishing his ancestors’ commitment to conservation.
When Miller noticed that Tule elk were being erased from the landscape by hunters, he made an investment to protect the species. At a time when conservation wasn’t top of mind, Miller had horsemen round up the last remaining Tule elk and relocate them to a protected area. From these few dozen individuals, Tule elk now inhabit various areas within their historical range in California.
Miller’s ancestor, Cannon Michael, carries on that legacy by providing leadership on habitat protection, water conservation, soil health, sustainable farming, and sound farm and environmental policy as president of Bowles Farming Company. Michael leads the business that his grandfather formed with two siblings in 1965 with curiosity, open-mindedness, and genuine concern for the well-being of people and the planet.
Across the 11,200 acres under his management, Michael has embraced innovative conservation practices including cover crops and precision technology to optimize water and nutrient management. Bowles Farming Company participates in rigorous certification programs for its crops of tomatoes, corn, herbs, garlic, wheat, alfalfa, melons, carrots, almonds, and cotton.
With farmland adjacent to the San Joaquin River, key riparian corridors have been restored and 650 acres of wetlands dedicated in a federal easement provide critical habitat for migratory birds. Michael’s concern for California’s water resources stretches beyond his farm gate. As a member of the Environmental Defense Fund’s Ecosystem Committee, he has also helped shape its approach to water policy, climate-smart farming, and Endangered Species Act implementation.
“Bowles Farming Company exemplifies what a large operation can do to care for and better the land they manage. Their attention to on-farm practices, community leadership, and partnership on statewide resource issues make an important difference for wildlife and people who rely on nutritious food, clean water, and green space to thrive.” – Ashley Boren, Sustainable Conservation CEO
Bowles Farming Company boasts a growing list of collaborations with state, federal, and NGO partners. With assistance from Pollinator Partnership, it established a 1.5-mile hedgerow around the perimeter of its managed wetlands. Michael credits Audubon Society biologists with helping him see how cropland can be managed to provide better bird habitat. In addition to conducting bird surveys, he invested time and resources into protecting raptors by trapping pests in crop fields instead of using poison to control them.
Michael’s appreciation for the environmental benefits of native plants led to the creation of Great Valley Seed which uses his farming expertise to scale up the production of cost-effective native plants. It’s that sort of resilience that has always served as this farm’s cornerstone.
Cannon Michael of Bowles Farming Company, Inc. Photos by Paolo Vescia
Cannon Michael in various crop fields such as Cotton, Melons, Gum Weed, Wild Grasses.
Finalist Profiles
Check out our finalist profile on Bowles Farming Company Inc. and the other outstanding 2024 finalists, Stemple Creek Ranch (Marin County) and Hat Creek Grown (Shasta County). As finalists, Stemple Creek Ranch and Hat Creek Grown will automatically advance to the Blue Ribbon round for to 2025 Leopold Conservation Award.
Leopold finalist and Stemple Creek owner Loren Poncia with his family, Lisa Poncia and daughters.
Award Archive
Visit Sustainable Conservation’s Leopold Conservation Award archive to learn about previous award winners!
About the Award
Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is given in 27 states.
