Josef
Josef is a mechanical engineer whose work takes him into the finance and construction of renewable energy assets in Scotland. Here in Hodson, he has developed the beef’s branding, marketing and direct sales, alongside the farm events.
Our story · Adrian, Josef & Elisabeth
A family. A herd.
A place we love.
We’re Josef and Elisabeth Bowles. We grew up in Hodson, and we love it. Bowles Burderop Beef has grown from our father Adrian’s retirement project into a family business shaped by this place, our cattle and the people around us.
Animal welfare & traceability →
Where it began
Adrian’s herd.
Our next chapter.
In 2019, Dad established the Dexter herd as a retirement project. After he died in 2023, our family was left with the herd — and a decision about what came next.
Josef began developing the branding, marketing and direct sales, working to turn the herd into a viable business. Listening to customers helped shape the focus: slow-grown, 100% grass-fed Dexter beef, with quality, animal welfare and a low-input approach at its heart.
Our beef animals are at least 30 months old. Building a business around that takes time, and that time is part of what we value in the product.
How we got here
A few chapters along the way.
- 2019
The Dexter herd begins
Adrian establishes the herd in Hodson as a retirement project.
- 2023 onwards
Building on Dad’s beginnings
After Adrian’s death, the family continues with the herd. Josef develops the brand and direct-to-customer side of the business.
- October 2025
Burgers on the farm
Our first burger events bring people together over food and open a conversation about the farm.
- 22 July 2026
An evening for Adrian
Josef and Elisabeth host a ten-course tasting banquet for two dozen guests in the Laundry fields in Hodson Valley, raising a glass to their father as the sun goes down.
A moment that mattered
Sunset in
Hodson Valley.
“My sister and I were able to host two dozen lucky guests and raise a glass to our dear father. It was the third anniversary of his funeral, and it was a really magical moment.”
Josef · The tasting banquet, 22 July 2026
The people behind the beef
Josef & Elisabeth.
Elisabeth
Elisabeth is a botanist with a PhD, working in plant genetics. Her current research aims to reduce farming’s reliance on broad-spectrum herbicides.
She grew up in Hodson too. She and Josef share the family’s connection to the place and to Adrian’s story, and together hosted the July tasting banquet in the valley.
What we do, and why
Good food.
Care for the farm.
People around the table.
Beef with a clear story
Our own pedigree Dexter herd, a grass-and-forage diet and time to develop. We want customers to know where their beef comes from and to feel able to ask questions.
Welfare & traceability →Land worth understanding
From the valley to Rewilding, different areas have different roles. We use extensive mob grazing and give attention to the cattle, the ground and the habitats around them.
Explore the farm →A positive welcome
Walkers, dog walkers, runners and cyclists already enjoy this landscape. Our events are a way to meet, share good food and have a positive conversation about farming.
Join us at a farm event →