Ranch Smart: How Winding Creek Farms Manages 700 Sheep with Herdwatch
Nestled in the rolling hills of South Central Kentucky, Winding Creek Farms is a picturesque 600-acre haven where Harry and Katie Frederick have created a thriving sheep operation. Originally from New Mexico, this dynamic duo, along with their extended family, embarked on a mission to cultivate something uniquely their own in the heart of the Bluegrass State.
At the core of Winding Creek Farms lies a robust flock of 700 Katahdin ewes, with a recent addition of Ille de France sheep enhancing their genetic diversity. The Fredericks have mastered the art of accelerated lambing, ensuring a consistent supply of healthy, vigorous lambs throughout the year. This innovative approach not only maximizes production but also contributes to the ranch’s reputation for excellence in sheep husbandry.
Though Harry and Katie lead the operation, they are supported by family members who share in their vision. Katie’s parents play an essential role, bringing their own expertise and passion to the farm, while Harry’s oldest daughter and her fiancé also call Winding Creek home. Their commitment to family and hard work is evident in every aspect of the ranch, showcasing a collective dedication to the land and the animals.
For the Fredericks, farming is more than just a job; it’s a way of life. They have fully embraced their roles as full-time sheep farmers, dedicating their days to nurturing their flock and ensuring the success of their operation. In addition to caring for their woolly companions, the Fredericks also raise and train border collies, introducing a unique and exciting dynamic to their farm life. These intelligent dogs not only assist in herding the sheep but also bring joy and companionship to the family, embodying the spirit of teamwork that defines Winding Creek Farms.
Priorities in Pasture: Raising Lambs with Care
At Winding Creek Farms, the well-being of their flock is the cornerstone of their operation. The Fredericks prioritize the health and happiness of their lambs, dedicating themselves to fostering rapid growth and development with unwavering commitment and genuine passion for their craft. Their approach is not just about farming; it’s about nurturing life and creating a thriving environment for their animals.
Though their journey in the sheep industry has been relatively brief, the Fredericks have quickly become adept at integrating innovation into their practices. Recently, they have embarked on exciting renovations, including a new whelping shed and upgraded facilities in their lambing barn. These improvements reflect their forward-thinking mindset, setting the stage for continued growth and enhancing the overall well-being of their flock.
For Harry and Katie, the keys to success in farming lie in a few simple yet powerful principles: a relentless work ethic, a sharp focus on producing healthy live lambs for market, and an openness to exploring new revenue streams. Guided by these tenets, they are well-positioned for a future filled with prosperity and abundance.
Since starting their social media journey on Instagram in 2017, the Fredericks have cultivated a significant presence, amassing over 8,000 followers on TikTok. They utilize these platforms to share their journey with a global audience, offering a blend of educational content and lighthearted glimpses into farm life. By doing so, they aim to bridge the gap between consumers and agriculture, inspiring others to connect with the heart of Winding Creek Farms and fostering a deeper understanding of the farming world.
Herdwatch: Revolutionizing Livestock Management
Since adopting Herdwatch in November 2023, the Fredericks have seen a complete transformation in how they manage their sheep at Winding Creek Farms. The app has truly revolutionized their approach, making once time-consuming tasks, like recording animal treatments, tracking movements, and managing their breeding program far more efficient and straightforward.
What was once a complex web of paperwork and manual logs has now been consolidated into an intuitive, easy-to-use platform. Herdwatch has streamlined their entire record-keeping process, allowing them to log vital information on the go, right from their smartphones. This real-time data access has empowered the Fredericks to make quicker, more informed decisions about their flock, helping them optimize everything from feed schedules to veterinary care.
The app’s ability to track treatments and movements means the Fredericks can now stay ahead of any potential health issues in their flock. They no longer have to sift through piles of paperwork or rely on memory to ensure each animal’s medical history is up to date. Breeding programs have also become more precise, with Herdwatch providing detailed records that help ensure every cycle is planned and tracked efficiently, improving the overall productivity of their herd.
But it’s not just the app itself that has made an impact, the unwavering support of the Herdwatch team has been crucial. Their personalized assistance helped the Fredericks integrate the app into their workflow seamlessly, ensuring that every feature is utilized to its full potential. This close relationship between the farm and the Herdwatch team has paved the way for increased efficiency and long-term profitability.
Looking ahead, as modern agriculture continues to evolve, the Fredericks are ready to face whatever challenges come their way. Their commitment to excellence, combined with the power of technology, ensures that the future is brighter than ever for Winding Creek Farms. The success they’ve experienced is a testament to the value of innovation, passion, and perseverance—and the right technology to support their goals.
Looking to improve your flock performance? Download the Herdwatch App today and join Harry, Katie and other ranchers improving their ranch with Herdwatch!
Want to know more about how Harry manages a sheep operation of over 700 sheep? Listen to our latest podcast.