Alex Bland
Westward Wigton,Cumbria
Summary
A hardworking, reliable, and dedicated individual with extensive hands-on experience within the agricultural and livestock industry. From a young age, after school, I attended agricultural courses at Newton Rigg College, demonstrating an early commitment and strong passion for agriculture and livestock farming. I am fully dedicated to building a long-term career within the industry and have developed a strong work ethic through working in physically demanding environments and all weather conditions.I am passionate about breeding and committed to helping preserve the traditional methods of fell farming that have been passed down through generations. I believe these traditions are an important part of both farming heritage and the management of the Lake District fells. Maintaining hefted sheep systems and proper fell management is essential for the welfare of the sheep and for protecting the landscape and character of the fells for future generations.Skilled in livestock husbandry, sheep gathering, lambing, shearing, tractor and machinery operation, fencing, and general farm maintenance. Experienced working both independently and as part of a team in fast-paced agricultural environments, with a strong understanding of livestock welfare, farm compliance, and day-to-day farming operations, including livestock movement licences and record keeping.Holds qualifications in ATV and Telehandler operation, First Aid, and professional sheep shearing certificates, demonstrating both practical ability and commitment to continually developing industry skills and knowledge.Alongside farming experience, I have also helped run a shared hospitality business, developing strong organisational, customer service, bookkeeping, social media, and property management skills. A motivated and adaptable individual who takes pride in working hard, learning new skills, and contributing positively in every role undertaken.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Sheep Shearer
Tom Blease and Mackintosh shearing.
Penrith, Cumbria and North Island New Zealand
2024.05 - Current
Assisted family with shearing from age 14.
Commenced shearing for others in 2021.
Started shearing for Tom in 2024, where collectively we shear around 25,000 sheep in Cumbria.
Developed shearing skills significantly over the years and can now shear over 300 sheep in a day.
Benefitted from a two-month season in New Zealand with Mackintosh Shearing, acquiring valuable tips and experience.
Auction Mart Shearing
Hopes of Wigton
Wigton, Cumbria
2021.11 - Current
Worked as part of a professional shearing team responsible for removing belly wool from lambs and hoggets prior to sale through the live prime sheep ring. This work helped improve cleanliness standards within slaughterhouses and contributed to maintaining the quality and hygiene of meat entering the UK food chain.
Farm Worker
Messers Bland LTD
Westward Wigton, Cumbria
2019.07 - Current
Assisted in daily operations of livestock farm.
Supported various tasks including fencing and dry stone walling.
Participated in sheep and cattle care through gathering, shearing, drenching and administering vaccinations.
Handled machinery work, including tractors and telehandlers.
Operated ATVs and UTVs effectively.
Hired Shepherd
P & J Bland
Grasmere, Cumbria
2016.02 - Current
This role has predominantly involved self-employed seasonal work, with the main responsibility being gathering sheep from the Lake District fells, including areas such as Helvellyn. Sheep are gathered five times throughout the year for key stages of the farming calendar:
- November – mating season
- February – pregnancy scanning
- April – lambing
- July – shearing
- September – weaning lambs and dipping stock
In addition to this, I regularly assist at around four other farms with sheep gathering and am always looking for further opportunities to gain experience and expand my work.
I work with a team of four sheepdogs, which I have either bred myself or obtained from friends. I personally train all of my dogs to carry out the specific tasks required for fell gathering and livestock handling.
Lambing Assistant
Lowther farms
Penrith, Cumbria
2017.03 - 2017.04
Oversaw all aspects of lambing, including castration, tailing, marking, and turning out, ensuring animal welfare and operational efficiency.
Education
level 3 diploma in Agriculture - Agriculture
Newton Rigg College
Penrith, Cumbria 2017.09 - 2019.06
GCSEs - GCSEs
Keswick School
Keswick, Cumbria 2012.09 - 2017.07
Skills
Skills & Qualifications
A reliable and hardworking individual with extensive practical experience across the agricultural and livestock industry, combining strong livestock handling skills with farm maintenance, machinery operation, and business administration experienceQualifications & Certificates
ATV Certificate
Telehandler Certificate
First Aid Qualified
British Wool Shearing Certificate
Elite Wool Industry UK Green Certificate
Full UK Driving Licence
Agricultural & Livestock Skills
Experienced in all aspects of tractor and attachment operation
Livestock haulage and transportation
Sheep gathering and fell work experience
Livestock husbandry and welfare management
Sheep shearing and stock preparation
Lambing and animal feeding/finishing
Fencing and dry stone walling
Pest control and vermin management
Maintenance and management of farm infrastructure
Personal & Working Skills
Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
Experienced working in challenging outdoor environments and all weather conditions
Strong practical problem-solving skills and a good work ethic
Organised, reliable, and capable of working in physically demanding roles
Business & Administrative Experience
Experience helping run a shared hospitality business, Herdie Hideaway, including:Cleaning and maintaining accommodation and outdoor areas
Online bookkeeping and organisation
Social media management and customer communication
Calendar and booking management
Experienced in farm administration, including:Livestock movement licences and compliance paperwork
Animal passports and record keeping
Use of online systems essential to modern livestock farming
Timeline
Sheep Shearer
Tom Blease and Mackintosh shearing.
2024.05 - Current
Auction Mart Shearing
Hopes of Wigton
2021.11 - Current
Farm Worker
Messers Bland LTD
2019.07 - Current
level 3 diploma in Agriculture - Agriculture
Newton Rigg College
2017.09 - 2019.06
Lambing Assistant
Lowther farms
2017.03 - 2017.04
Hired Shepherd
P & J Bland
2016.02 - Current
GCSEs - GCSEs
Keswick School
2012.09 - 2017.07