About Bashaw Land and Seed

Meet Vicki, Eric & Marie; 4th and 5th Generation Grass Seed Growers

You could say that grass has deep roots in our family – over a hundred years deep! We are farming the same land our great-grandparents grew grass seed on more than 5 generations ago.  Each season we work to improve upon the previous season and continue to learn to leave our land healthier and more productive than before. 

Family farming is not for the faint of heart, but we make it work successfully. Marie Bowers, the 5th generation, returned to the family farm in the fall of 2011. From there she has worked alongside her dad, Eric Bowers, and mom, Vicki Bowers, to ensure its success for future generations if they choose to be farmers. 

Our farm name is Bashaw Land and Seed. Bashaw is the type of soil most commonly found on our farm. It is a poor draining, clay- wet, sticky, and blue gray in color. Bashaw is not good for much – but it does do a great job of growing annual ryegrass. That’s why we chose it!

We raise several varieties of grass seed. These include Bashaw Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass and Gulf Annual Ryegrass, which are mostly used for pastures in the Gulf coast states and in Argentina, Paraguay, China, Korea, and Japan; Fawn Tall Fescue and Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue, two forage fescues; and Turf type tall Fescue for lawns and parks. Other crops we grow our Purple Top turnips, meadowfoam and wheat. We love our bashaw soil, but it does limit what types of crops we can grow. 

Technology is an important part of our farm. One might say we are high tech rednecks. Incorporating precision agriculture tools such as auto-steer, yield monitors, water management and application accuracy in planting and fertilizing help to ensure we are maximizing our efficiency. This is not our grandpa’s farm anymore with computers in every piece of machinery! 

Part of being a successful multi-generational farm is being engaged in our community and our industry. Eric, Vicki, and Marie have all served and continue to serve on various boards. Engagement not only includes being part of an organization but making sure our elected officials know our story and how their decisions affect our farm. It’s not uncommon for us to bring our local legislator out to the farm or show up to the state capitol and testify on various issues. 

A lot has change over the last 100 years but one thing has remained steady, our love and commitment to our land, our crops, our community and our family. 

Learn more about us and our farm by checking out our videos and news articles.