Claire joins the farm moo-vers and shakers

Three generations of Crowthers, grandfather, Harold, dad Chris and Claire

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At 16 she’s one of the youngest herdswomen caring for cows on 12,000 acre spread
Pretty 16-year-old Claire Crowther had just one burning ambition when she left secondary school this summer — to work with animals.

Now, at just 16, she is one of Britain’s youngest herdswomen caring for 24 of her own cows and calves at her family’s 12,000 acre Pennine farm.

And her new, arduous seven-day week role is earning praise from the National Farmers Union, which is actively encouraging youngsters to begin exciting new careers down on the farm.

Claire is part of the fourth generation of Crowthers who control the fortunes of one of the country’s biggest farmsteads extending across the moors above Greenfield in Saddleworth to Meltham, West Yorkshire.

She works alongside her brothers, James and Christopher, aged 20 and 18 respectively, her father, Chris and grandfather, Harold (79).

Every day Claire feeds and inspects her newly-formed herd, including Herefordshire and Aberdeen Angus, at their lowland pastures two miles from her home, a former 18th century shooting lodge.

“There is always something to keep you on your toes when you are working with livestock,” she explains. “I don’t regret making this move one little bit — even though I know life can be very tough in bad weather.

“I got my passion for animals when I did work placement at my uncle’s dairy farm in Carr Brook.

“Cows are such lovely creatures and they have all their own personalities. I just knew that I wanted to work with them. It’s very rewarding.

“It’s a real commitment but I know I will never regret the decision. I really enjoy my outdoor lifestyle.”

She brought her first cow, Lapwing, at auction in Carlisle at the beginning of the year. Now the proud Herefordshire has produced a feisty calf, Damson.

“I am really proud of the little calf — she’s come on a treat and looks lovely,” says Clare. “I think up names for all my herd,” she added.

Her father, 51-year-old Chris, said: “I am delighted Claire has joined her brothers and my father in the family business. She has a natural gift with livestock and is a very quick learner.

“My father and I give her lots of tips and she really absorbs the information — and acts on it.”

The Crowthers are aiming to build a herd of high value pedigree cattle and plan to launch a new service providing top quality meat to local businesses.

“There is a huge interest in quality, locally reared beef,” explains Chris. “My father used to have a couple of butchers’ shops and now with Claire on board we plan to produce and sell the juiciest, most succulent beef in the area.”

NFU North-West regional director, Terry Abbott, said:”It’s extremely encouraging to see a young person like Claire taking the first steps towards a career in farming.

“I wish Claire every success in the future and hope other young people might be inspired to consider farming as a career.”

Away from her heavy daily workload, Claire still finds time to share her love of horse riding — and help her father with his flock of 12,000 sheep.

Meantime, they are planning an open day at the farm to show locals the art of sheep shearing and other aspects of farming life.

“Damson will be the star of the show,” Claire added.