What Shearwell Data does

Shearwell Data Ltd is a UK-based, family-owned manufacturer of livestock identification and management systems, founded in 1990 (operational from 1992) and headquartered on a working sheep farm at Wheddon Cross, Somerset. The company designs and produces visual and electronic identification (EID) tags for sheep, cattle, pigs, and goats, alongside proprietary RFID readers (Stick Reader SDL440S, Stock Recorder X6, SDL150 Race Reader), weighing systems (ShearWeigh Weigh Head and Load Bars), handling equipment (EID Weigh Crate, Automatic Drafter), and tag applicators (Speedy Tagger, TurbO Tagger). Hardware engineering is anchored by patented technology including the SDL150 double-antenna switcher and the SET Tag dual visual/EID design.

The business sells to UK livestock farmers across beef, dairy, sheep, pig, and goat segments, plus farm assurance scheme members, through direct e-commerce, regional distributors (Joseph Walls in Northern Ireland), and event-led marketing (Royal Welsh Show, NSA Sheep Event Malvern, LAMMA, regional shows). Software is delivered via MyFarmWorks, a cloud subscription platform launched in 2025 (from £20/month) replacing the discontinued FarmWorks Classic desktop product, with integrations to UK government systems including the Livestock Information Service (LIS) and ScotMovesPlus for statutory compliance. The product ecosystem extends to TST/BVD tissue-sampling tags and DNA genotyping tags aligned with upcoming UK bovine disease and genetics regulation timelines.

Shearwell operates wholly-owned subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, and reports a UK market-leader position in cattle and sheep tags. Revenue is generated primarily through high-volume, low-unit-price hardware consumables (tags from £0.78 per pair), complemented by mid-priced equipment sales (£25–£1,200 per unit) and an emerging recurring software subscription stream. The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications and is a founder member of ALIDMA, the UK animal identification industry body.

Name

Shearwell Data

Legal name

Shearwell Data Ltd

Website

https://shearwell.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Shearwell Data Ltd is a UK-based, family-owned manufacturer of livestock identification tags, EID readers, weighing and drafting equipment, and the MyFarmWorks cloud livestock management platform, serving primarily UK cattle, sheep, pig and goat farmers with international subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Livestock Identification Equipment

SIC

Farm Machinery & Equipment (3523), Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Herd Management Software & Identification (RFID, EID, Data Platforms) (AFAAAIAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Livestock Identification & Recordkeeping Services (RFID Tagging, Traceability Setup) (AFACAEAH), Livestock Identification, Traceability & Recordkeeping Services (Tagging, RFID) (AFAEALAF), Livestock Performance Monitoring Services (Weighing Programs, BCS, Data Capture) (AFACAEAL), Livestock Precision Monitoring Software (Herd/Flock Analytics, Health Alerts) (AFAAAFAM), Animal Identification & Tracking Devices (Microchips, RFID, Tags, Scanners) (HLAMAFAL), Livestock & Dairy Equipment (IMAHACAG)

Keywords

• Livestock identification
• Animal ear tags
• Electronic identification
• Livestock management software
• Weighing equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Timberscombe

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Products - Tags: Sale of livestock identification tags including sheep, cattle, pig and goat tags. Tags available as visual, EID (electronic), or combination formats. Replacement tags available. Includes TST/BVD tissue sampling tags for disease testing.
2. Hardware Products - Equipment: Sale of tag applicators (Speedy Tagger, TurbO Tagger, Combi 3000 Junior), EID readers (Stick Reader SDL440S), weighing equipment (ShearWeigh Weigh Head, Load Bars), EID crates and handling equipment.
3. MyFarmWorks Software Subscription: Cloud-based livestock management software available as Starter or Pro tiers. Monthly subscription starting from £20 per month with free one-month trial available.
4. Farm Supplies and Accessories: Husbandry products including lambing/calving kits, clothing, PPE, safety boots, torches, and water fittings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Shearwell Data manufactures and supplies livestock identification tags (visual and electronic) for sheep, cattle, pigs and goats, along with EID readers, weighing equipment, tag applicators, handling systems and cloud-based livestock management software (MyFarmWorks). The company sells direct to UK farmers via e-commerce and through international subsidiaries, with regional ordering and compliance for England/Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

Product overview

Shearwell Data offers an integrated livestock management ecosystem comprising hardware products (EID readers, tag applicators, weighing equipment, handling crates) and cloud-based software (MyFarmWorks). Core products include SET Tags and Combi Tags for sheep and cattle identification (visual and electronic), the EID Stick Reader and Stock Recorder X6 for data capture, ShearWeigh weighing systems, and EID Auto Drafter for automated sorting. The product portfolio also encompasses tag applicators (Speedy Tagger, TurbO Tagger, Combi 3000 Junior), TST/BVD tissue sampling tags for disease testing, and Pyon-branded husbandry equipment (milk warmers, lamb care products). MyFarmWorks cloud software integrates with all hardware for unified livestock record-keeping and management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MyFarmWorks: Cloud-based livestock management software subscription app for cattle and sheep farmers.
• Shearwell
• Combi
• SET Tag
• TST/BVD
• ShearWeigh
• TurbO Tagger
• Speedy Tagger
• EID Stick Reader
• Stock Recorder X6

Products and services

• MyFarmWorks Cloud-based livestock management software accessible via computer, phone or tablet. Starter tier covers statutory record-keeping and basic management; Pro tier adds drafting, scoring, tupping/service and pregnancy scanning. Integrates with Shearwell EID readers and weigh equipment.
• EID Stick Reader SDL440S Handheld electronic ID reader with single-button operation reading FDX-B and HDX RFID tags, implants and rumen boluses. Stores data for up to 16,000 animals and 26 management groups. Available in short, medium and long lengths with Bluetooth connectivity.
• ShearWeigh Weigh Head Precision livestock weighing device for farm environments with Bluetooth connectivity, IP67 rating and 12-hour battery life. Pairs with ShearWeigh Pro App for DLWG reports and integrates with MyFarmWorks.
• Stock Recorder X6 Next-generation handheld stock recorder with built-in RFID tag reader. Records breeding data, births, weights, treatments and movements. Rugged pocket-sized design for on-farm use.
• SDL150 Race Reader Modular EID race reader system for high-volume sheep and cattle applications with patented switcher technology and double antenna for maximum read rates. Available in large and small versions. Sends EID numbers via Bluetooth to Shearwell apps.
• EID Weigh Crate Portable sheep weighing crate with integrated SDL150 tag reader featuring double antenna. Reads EID tags, records weight and transmits data wirelessly to Stock Recorder. Patented technology for superior readability with moving animals.
• EID Auto Drafter Automated three-way drafting system combining EID reading, weight recording and sorting. Pneumatic gates sort over 400 head per hour. Configurable drafting criteria for weight, management group, gender, health and breed. Operates manually or automatically through FarmWorks software.
• ShearWeigh Load Bars Load bars for cattle (SW1000) and sheep (SW600) weighing systems. Pairs with ShearWeigh Weigh Head for complete weighing solution.
• SET Tag Sheep and goat electronic ID tag combining visual and EID functionality in a single design. Compatible with Speedy Tagger and TurbO Tagger. Available in multiple print options.
• Combi 3000 Cattle Tag Visual cattle ear tag available in Large, Medium, Small and Button sizes with improved strength and durability. Primary and secondary tag options for official identification.
• TST/BVD Tissue Sampling Tag Tissue sampling tag for BVD testing and DNA genotyping. Available in flag and button formats. Enables compliant sample collection during normal tagging for disease testing.
• Metal EID Tag Metal and plastic combination EID tag for cattle. HDX frequency design. Secondary or management tag option.
• E23 Button Small 23mm diameter electronic ID button for sheep and goats. Available with mini or button back options.
• Speedy Tagger Automatic tag applicator for SET Tags enabling rapid sheep tagging. Loads ten tags in seconds with low-resistance action for reduced hand fatigue.
• TurbO Tagger High-welfare, high-throughput tagging applicator for SET Tags. Includes five Turbo Tagger drums for efficient tag management.
• Combi 3000 Junior Applicator Applicator for Combi 3000 Tags, E30 cattle tags and E23 sheep button tags.
• Tag Applicators Range Range of tag applicators including V6 Sheep SET Tag Applicator, Metal EID Cattle Tag Applicator, TST BVD Applicator, Combi 2000 Junior Applicator, and Ketchum Applicators for various tag types.
• Pyon Livestock Husbandry Products Livestock husbandry equipment under the Pyon Products brand including the Heatwave Milk Warmer for lamb/calf feeding, Frisky Lamb Warmer for cold-stress prevention and Store & Thaw Colostrum Unit for colostrum storage and thawing.
• EID Connect App Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling wireless EID tag reading via Stick Reader. Stores tag numbers in groups, shares data via cloud or email, and downloads tags from reader memory.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 400 head per hour can be weighed and sorted with Automatic Drafter by one person
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• RitchieminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Prize draw partnership for Ritchie Strathmore cattle crate and Shearwell weighing equipment promotion (June-October 2026). Prize worth £7,961 RRP including Ritchie cattle crate (£5,463), Ritchie Head scoop (£703), ShearWeigh Weigh Head (£595) and ShearWeigh Cattle Load Bars (£1,200).
• Joseph Walls LtdcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoseph Walls is the sole distributor of Shearwell tags in Northern Ireland. Also serves as approved tag supplier for the NI Bovine Genetics Project, handling genotyping tag supply from September 2026 (breeding herd) and January 2027 (calves).
• Ketchum Manufacturing CompanycoreOthersKetchum Manufacturing Company is a trading name of Shearwell Data Limited. Handles production of certain tag products.
• ALIDMAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerALIDMA is the industry body for UK animal identification manufacturers and suppliers. Shearwell Data is a founder member.
• Livestock Information System (LIS)coreTechnology or IntegrationShearwell software integrates with UK Livestock Information System for statutory recording of sheep and cattle movements and compliance with government requirements.
• Fair5th European Commission Research Project PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThree-year European Commission Research Project involving partners from five countries: University of Barcelona, Joint Research Centre at European Commission, German/French/Italian/Spanish Research Institutes, and Identigen (Irish genetic testing). Shearwell Data ran all UK trials.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Allflex (Merck Animal Health / Antelliq): Global market leader in livestock identification tags, RFID/EID readers and traceability technology, now part of Merck Animal Health. Directly comparable product categories to Shearwell's SET Tag, Combi and EID reader lines, but at significantly larger international scale.
• Datamars: Swiss-based global supplier of RFID solutions for livestock identification, textile and laundry, with a strong portfolio of EID tags, readers and weighing systems competing head-to-head with Shearwell's hardware stack.

Direct peers

• Zee Tags: Manufacturer of visual and electronic livestock ear tags primarily for sheep and cattle. Directly comparable as a tag-focused competitor with overlapping customer base across livestock identification markets.
• Caisley International: UK-based manufacturer of livestock identification tags including EID ear tags, official cattle tags, and tissue sampling tags. Direct peer in Shearwell's home market with comparable regulatory-compliance product lines.
• Leader Products: Australian livestock identification manufacturer producing visual tags, EID tags and applicators across sheep, cattle and goats. Comparable product range and serves similar livestock farmer customers.
• Enduro Tags: Livestock identification tag supplier (visual and electronic) serving sheep, cattle, deer and goat producers in Australia, NZ and other markets. Overlaps Shearwell's EID/visual tag product lines for similar farming customers.
• Tru-Test Group: Manufacturer of livestock weighing and EID systems, including weigh scales and load bars that integrate with farm software. Directly comparable to Shearwell's ShearWeigh product line, and listed as a compatible third-party integration.

Emerging players

• AgriWebb: Australian livestock farm management software platform focused on cattle and sheep operations. Comparable to MyFarmWorks as a cloud-based livestock record-keeping and analytics layer, but software-only.
• Breedr: UK-based livestock data and trading platform enabling performance tracking and supply chain traceability. Comparable as a livestock management software play overlapping MyFarmWorks' analytics and recording capabilities.

Others

• Ritchie (Ritchie Agricultural): UK livestock handling equipment manufacturer (cattle crushes, head scoops) that partners with Shearwell on bundled prize-draw promotions. Adjacent product category (handling equipment) with overlapping customer base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/shearwell
• Facebookfacebook.com/ShearwellDataLtd

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shearwell Data