Ann Willcocks
Job Title:
Regional Advisor - South of England
Job Role
Ann farms in partnership with her husband, running a herd of 80 pedigree Belted Galloway cattle and a flock of 720 ewes of various breeds, each serving different purposes. Hill ewes — North Country Cheviot, Herdwick, Scotch and Welsh — are used to breed mules for the in-bye flock. Farm around 120 hectares of all-grass land, made up of a mixture of owned and tenanted ground, along with grazing rights on common land.
An active member of the Country Landowners Association, sitting on the National Agriculture and Land Use Committee. Involved with the National Farmers Union, serves as a Quarterman on the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, and am both Parish Clerk and Chairman. In addition, helps facilitate five Higher Level Stewardship agreements for local commons associations across Dartmoor.
Hav worked with the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project to deliver our own animal health initiatives across several Dartmoor commons.
Ann has a Higher National Diploma in Agriculture, a BSc (Hons) in Rural Business Management, and most recently completed a Research Masters.
Background is very sheep dominated, working with various flocks around the country shepherding at Rhug Estate, Seafield Pedigree Suffolk sheep, a 3,000 ewe flock in South Devon and also worked for the RASE at the NAC sheep unit when it was based at Stoneleigh.
Sheep health is a particular interest, and found working on the Dartmoor tick project especially engaging. Also very interested in policy development and has taken an active role in discussions ranging from the Sustainable Farming Incentive to the development of the Sheep Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.
