Our Mission

James Yeatman, the Managing Director of CowRecovery Ltd, operates a 400-cow, 11,000-litre dairy farm in North Dorset, supplying Tesco through Müller. With over 30 years of farming experience, James has faced the challenges of moving down cows firsthand. The real impetus for change came when a television program highlighted the improper use of hip hoists, which can cause severe bruising. Recognising the distress this causes both cows and farmers, James was determined to find a better solution.

James developed a technique to move down cows on his own, But it needed refining with the help from Synergy Farm Health and Albutt to create a consistent, efficient, and easy-to-operate system. His innovative design of a bladeless bucket, adapted to function as a cow ambulance, ensures a positive initial impression and efficient procedure. This system, known as CowRecovery, is designed to be a well-practiced procedure understood by all staff, ensuring the best possible outcome for down cows.

James emphasises the importance of a well-organised approach, stating, “I live a chaotic life, but there’s no room for chaos when it comes to moving a down cow. It has to be a well-practiced procedure, understood by all staff to ensure the best possible outcome.” Drawing inspiration from human medicine, he applies the principle of the “golden hour” to his cows, aiming to provide the right treatment promptly to significantly improve outcomes.

Commitment to Animal Welfare

At CowRecovery, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that prioritise the well-being of cows. Our system minimises stress and injury, offering a humane and efficient method for handling down cows. By reducing the physical strain on both animals and handlers, we aim to improve the overall health and welfare of dairy herds.

Enhancing Farm Safety

Safety is at the core of our mission. Traditional methods of moving down cows can be hazardous, leading to injuries for both cows and farm staff. Our purpose-built system significantly reduces these risks, promoting a safer working environment on farms. We are committed to protecting the health and safety of everyone involved in dairy farming.

Supporting Sustainable Farming

We understand the challenges faced by modern dairy farms and strive to offer solutions that are both sustainable and cost-effective. The CowRecovery system not only improves animal welfare and farm safety but also contributes to the economic viability of dairy operations. By preventing injuries and fatalities, we help farmers save on medical costs and reduce financial losses.

Innovation and Collaboration

Our journey began with a deep understanding of the difficulties faced by dairy farmers. Through collaboration with veterinarians, engineers, and farmers, we have developed a system that addresses these challenges head-on. James’s partnership with Synergy Farm Health and support from Innovate UK have been crucial in refining and implementing the CowRecovery system. Rachel Hayton of Synergy, with her experience in trials and Innovate projects, has been a perfect collaborator.

James also highlights the importance of record-keeping, stating, “Though I’ve always hated unnecessary paperwork, I believe keeping a written record of all down cows—detailing why, when, and where—is essential for the CowRecovery system.” These records help create a heat map of incidents, allowing for the identification of patterns, formulation of solutions, and ultimately reducing occurrences. This proactive approach ensures that prevention is prioritised over reaction.

Vision for the Future

We envision a future where every dairy farm has access to the tools and knowledge needed to manage down cows effectively. Our mission is to lead the way in transforming dairy farming practices, ensuring that animal welfare, farm safety, and sustainability are at the forefront of the industry. By making informed choices for animal welfare and reflecting those in our actions, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the dairy industry. The positive feedback from herdsmen, farmers, and vets has been overwhelmingly encouraging. James hopes that farmers will embrace.