Hannah Byers, aged 30, hails from Brampton, Cumbria. Despite not coming from a traditional farming background, she has always been passionate about farming. She now works at Chatton Park Farm for the Ord family and takes care of a large flock of sheep, along with helping with tractor work during harvesting. Hannah holds a degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams University and spent seven months in New Zealand. Here, she shares insights into her journey and current work.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’ve always known I wanted to farm from a very young age. Although my family didn’t farm, we lived in Lees Hill, surrounded by sheep farmers and I just loved the great outdoors and working with animals. As I mentioned, I don’t come from a traditional farming background, but growing up in a rural area made me fall in love with it. I helped out at neighbours’ farms when I was younger, and that sparked my passion for farming.
Where did you go to college?
I went to Harper Adams and earned my degree in Agriculture. I was lucky enough to spend seven months in New Zealand afterwards, where I gained more experience with sheep farming.
What is your current job
I work as a shepherd at Chatton Park Farm, where I’ve been for five years. I look after 1800 easy-care ewes. These sheep are great because they lamb outside and require very little intervention, they’re fantastic mothers and low maintenance sheep. Since the Easy-care sheep almost lamb themselves, it suits our system perfectly.
How many sheep do you look after, and what’s your lambing regime?
I currently manage 1800 ewes, and we use an outdoor lambing system. Any issues that arise are dealt with by bringing the ewes into lambing pens. We use Stockmax bedding, which has been brilliant—it’s light, easy to handle, and helps keep the pens clean. I’ve noticed a big difference in the health of the sheep since using it.
Why do you like to use Stockmax?
It’s been a real game-changer. It’s not dusty, easy to clean out, and we haven’t had any issues with diseases in the pens, like watery mouth or joint ill. Plus, as someone who manages lambing largely on my own, anything that saves me time is ideal.
What do you love most about your job?
Every day is different, and I genuinely love it all. I also love working with my dogs—I have three working dogs: two collies and a New Zealand Huntaway. I also have three cocker spaniels and a border terrier, so they keep me busy too!
What’s the toughest part of your job?
Definitely the wet weather – especially when it combines with low cloud. It makes everything more challenging.
When you’re not working with sheep, what are your other interests?
I enjoy shooting and walking in the Cheviot Hills. I also love skiing, but unfortunately, we haven’t had much snow for that in recent years here in the UK.
What drives your passion for sheep farming?
I’m passionate about achieving the highest standards of animal husbandry, especially when it comes to looking after lambs. They’re valuable, and it’s important to give them the best care possible. Our lambs end up on supermarket shelves, so maintaining quality is essential.
