It isn’t hard to glean James Wathen’s love, respect and appreciation for agriculture from even the shortest of conversations. He’ll tell you that it’s in his blood and it isn’t hard to agree. He’s made the industry his life’s work.  

James wasn’t new to agriculture when he took his first job in the dairy industry, but the dairy industry was a brand-new experience for the Grandview, Washington farm boy who grew up picking asparagus and living for opportunities to run the tractor.  

“We raised asparagus, potatoes, concord grapes, peppermint and spearmint,” James remembers. “We had our own mint still and we barreled our own peppermint and spearmint right there on the farm. I loved being outside and working with my hands. If my grandpa hadn’t sold the farm, I would still be farming today. That’s all I ever wanted to do.”  

Life took James in another direction, and, thanks to a family connection, the dairy industry came calling. Thirty-five years later, that calling still comes every morning when James’ feet hit the floor to start the day.  

It’s a Lifestyle 

Today, James serves as the Western Territory Manager for VES-Artex, covering much of the western U.S. helping producers create solutions and efficiencies for their dairying operations.  

“When I started in 1990, all I really knew about cows was that most of them are black and white,” James laughs. “But there’s something about this industry.  It just got in my blood, and I still love being around dairies and cows and the whole farming aspect.” 

From service work and installs to dealership management, James has worked with dairies across Washington, Idaho, and Arizona. He has managed teams, solved problems on farms large and small, and stayed the course for the dairy farmers who have become friends. The dairy industry is a lifestyle, not a job and, for James, working in the dairy industry has become a lifestyle.  

“I was on call for 12 or 13 years,” he says. “It wasn’t uncommon for me to be on a dairy Christmas morning or on Thanksgiving. It was difficult, but they knew I was committed to getting the problem fixed when they needed it fixed. They couldn’t miss a milking, and I always enjoyed the sense of accomplishment when I could get a guy milking again after he was down.” 

That same dedication to farmers and their operations still shapes the way James approaches his role today at VES-Artex today.

 

Cow Comfort 

In 35 years, the change in the dairy industry James is most proud of is cow comfort. The progress has been significant and the industry is all the better for it.  

“When I started, lucky cows had shade. Unlucky cows stood out in open lots,” James shares. “Today, we have cross fans, tunnel fans, and natural ventilation. From a cow welfare standpoint, it’s so much better than it used to be.” 

The progress hasn’t come from technology – sure, technology has equipped the barns to make cow comfort possible – but at the end of the day, James says farmers realize the importance of keeping cows comfortable.  

“What I do today directly impacts cow comfort. When cows are cool, stress-free and healthy, everything else falls into place a lot easier,” he says.  

And that’s the job. Every day, James works to ensure the dairies he works with have the tools and resources accessible to provide the level of comfort their cows need to meet their genetic milking potential. He helps dairies across the West design barns and install systems that prioritize cow health, reduce heat stress and improve efficiency. He isn’t selling equipment or technology; he’s providing the solutions that help farmers reach their goals.  

“Farmers don’t get to clock out at five o’clock,” James said. “Their lives revolve around the herd, the weather, the land. It’s a level of commitment that only people in agriculture can understand. That’s why I respect them so much. Their grit and determination are what make this industry special.”