Farm Smart: Fourth generation beef and arable farmer embraces technology and streamlines farming processes

James Herrick is a fourth-generation farmer farming in partnership with his parents, Joanne and Eddie. Together, they run a thriving 140-head suckler herd alongside more than 450 acres of arable land in Leicestershire.

The family has farmed the land since 1961, when James’ grandfather bought the farm after moving from a tenanted holding on a local estate. Today, James is helping shape the next stage of the business with a strong focus on cattle, grazing, and practical efficiency.

A grass-focused suckler system

Around half of the herd is made up of Stabiliser cattle, with the rest made up of older Blue cross and Angus cross cows. The farm runs a grass-focused system that depends on close grass measurement and careful allocation.

Cattle are moved onto fresh fields every day, and all youngstock not kept for breeding are finished on farm. It is a practical, efficient system designed to make the most of grazing while keeping cattle performance strong.

James is pleased with where the farm is today, but there is still more to do. Current priorities include improving the grazing platform through better fencing and water infrastructure.

Baldy’s Farm on YouTube

Alongside the day-to-day farm business, James has also built a growing online audience through his YouTube channel, Baldy’s Farm.

The channel started naturally enough, with James uploading one video a week in the run-up to Christmas. From there, it began to grow. He now produces a high-quality weekly video covering daily farm life, the decisions behind the system, and the ways they challenge industry norms.

The platform has become a valuable space for sharing ideas and hearing different perspectives. James also has more projects in the pipeline, including plans for a new podcast and agricultural audiobook work.

Using cloud-based technology to save time

Saving time matters on the Herrick farm, especially as James and his wife Kate are also raising their young son, Wilfred. With so much going on both on and off farm, efficient systems are essential.

That is where Herdwatch has made a big difference. James started using the app around 12 months ago, and the switch was straightforward from the start.

Getting to grips with the software was easy, helped by a user-friendly setup and strong support. That simplicity made it easier to bring the whole farm team along with the change.

Farm records made easier

From tracking medicine usage to recording breeding and AI data, Herdwatch has simplified everyday record-keeping on the farm. One of the biggest changes for James is the ability to register calves as soon as they are born, directly from his phone while out in the field.

That means no more carrying paperwork from sheds to the farm office, and much less risk of key information being lost along the way.

Less stress around inspections

Herdwatch has also become an important tool when preparing for audits and inspections. For James, it has changed both the process and the feeling around inspections.

Knowing that the inspector can access the right records quickly has made the whole process more straightforward and far less stressful for the family.

Managing cattle groups more efficiently

One of James’ favourite features is the ability to create and manage groups within the app, such as bulling heifers, cull cows, or fattening bulls.

This makes it much easier to find the right animals quickly and speeds up practical jobs like batch treatments, drafting, and general herd management.

A more efficient way to farm

While balancing the needs of a busy farm business and young family life, efficiency and convenience matter more than ever. By combining traditional farming knowledge with digital tools, the Herricks have been able to streamline the business and free up more time for what matters most.

You can read more real farmer stories on our farm case studies page.