Sam Pearman
I grew up on my family’s farm in Hertfordshire, where I now live and work with my wife and two children, running a beef business. Our farm is built on a strong commitment to environmental sustainability with an emphasis on regenerative practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and productivity. By prioritising grazing management, we aim to create a resilient farming enterprise capable of adapting to both climatic and financial challenges.
My approach to livestock handling was shaped early in my career while working on a deer farm in New Zealand in 2007 — an experience that instilled the value of calm, low-stress animal management. This philosophy became central to our farm’s operations following a pivotal shift in 2012, leading to the development of a low-stress environment for livestock as a core operational focus.
As a CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme) accredited farmer, I actively promote agricultural education and public engagement. I host farm visits for students from primary to A-level and have established a long-term partnership with our local primary school. Through this initiative, our farm serves as an outdoor learning environment helping children connect with nature, food production, and the realities of modern farming.
Handle with Care: Improving Cattle Handling Today for a Better Tomorrow
Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust
Study Overview
Handling livestock is a specialist skill. The entire beef supply chain depends on safe, efficient and professional handling to protect both animals and people. During my study, I aim to explore how cattle are currently handled across the beef industry and how reducing stress can unlock multiple benefits—from animal welfare to human wellbeing and economic return. I also want to research the potential for on-farm slaughter. As small abattoirs continue to close, this could reduce the impact that pre-slaughter stress (through transport and unfamiliar handling) has on both animals and meat quality.
A key focus will be training and attitude. The best facilities mean little without skilled people using them. Low-stress handling doesn’t just benefit animals—it directly improves meat quality, which is what every handler across the supply chain should aim for. I want to investigate how better training, mentoring, and awareness can embed this mindset, helping farmers produce calmer cattle, higher-quality products, and a more positive future for British Beef.
I am incredibly grateful to my sponsors, the Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust, for making this possible.