He acquired a flock of the then rare Southdowns from John Ellman of Glynde, Sussex and bred them to produce a strain of larger size, earlier maturity and improved fleece quality.
He achieved international recognition in 1855 at the Paris Universal Exhibition, winning a gold medal.
Emperor Napoleon III admired his exhibits and was presented with Webb's prize ram in return.
Webb was also a noted breeder of cattle; his shorthorn herd was praised by contemporaries and won him several prizes.
He was commemorated with a statue at the Cambridge Corn Exchange; it is now located in his home village of Babraham.