Seeing cattle graze in pastures along the Palouse Highway isn’t uncommon, but the herd grazing at Owens Farm is unusual. The grey-white cattle are 100% full-blood Piedmontese, a breed that originated in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. Justin Owens and his wife, Lauren, are raising the herd on his late grandfather’s 200-acre spread.

“I didn’t want to be a farmer,” said Justin Owens. “I’m allergic to alfalfa!” But he lived at the farm during college and worked with his grandfather, Gary Owens. His grandfather’s dream to raise full-blood Piedmontese proved contagious. That’s not surprising – ranching runs deep in Owens’ blood.