Born at Matfen, Bates attended the grammar school at Haydon Bridge, and later Witton-le-Wear. A studious youth, he went on to Edinburgh University, but as called home to assist with his father's farms. In 1794, he bought his first shorthorn cattle.
As a stockbreeder, he became acquainted with George and Matthew Culley, as well as Charles and Robert Colling (qq.v.) from the Tees region. He farmed at Wark Eals on the North Tyne and at Halton Castle where he achieved renown as a breeder of shorthorns. He began to propagate his views vigorously in the press from 1807, meanwhile attending Edinburgh University in the winter to improve his knowledge of chemistry as applied to manuring. In 1811 he bought 1000 acres at Kirklevington, near Yarm. There he experimented with crop rotation and built up his famous herd. After his death, his herd of 68 animals was sold off, with 5000 buyers attending the sale, some from Europe and the United States.