Farm Smart: YouTube Star Cowley Hill Farm Innovating with Modern Farming Practices and Flockwatch to Improve Efficiency
In Staffordshire, Will Roobottom uses Herdwatch to improve flock performance, streamline records, and manage a growing pedigree Lleyn enterprise.
Will Roobottom farms at Cowley Hill Farm in Staffordshire, continuing a family farming tradition that spans more than 10 generations.
The 500-acre farm focuses primarily on producing hay and haylage for the equine market, alongside a growing flock of pedigree Lleyn sheep.
A growing pedigree Lleyn flock
Over the past nine years, Will has built a flock of 240 pedigree Lleyn ewes. The farm runs an A flock and B flock system, producing pedigree breeding stock and finished lambs.
Performance recording plays a key role in selecting replacements and improving genetics across the flock.
Building an audience on YouTube
During lockdown, Will launched his YouTube channel Cowley Hill Farm, sharing the realities of farming life.
The channel now reaches a global audience, with viewers across the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia, and beyond.
How Herdwatch has improved flock management
Will has been using Herdwatch since its early days, helping him save time and reduce paperwork.
Using an EID reader alongside Herdwatch, Will can quickly scan and record sheep, manage groups, and track performance data.
He records daily liveweight gain, bloodlines, and health data to make informed breeding decisions.
From recording treatments to tracking weights and medicines, Herdwatch has streamlined every aspect of flock management.
A smarter way to manage your flock
Join Will and thousands of farmers using Herdwatch to simplify records, improve performance, and save time on farm.