| Sheep & Lambing
Considering extra pairs of hands this lambing time
By Hannah Park , National Sheep Association
L ambing time is often regarded as one of the busiest times of the year on any sheep farm . For some , this means beginning the task of finding , training and managing agricultural and veterinary students as they look to gain some practical farming experience .
For those considering taking on student help as additional labour , ensuring they get the experience they require , while utilising that much-needed extra pair of hands can be a tough balance . Connecting NSA members looking for help at lambing time with agricultural or veterinary students seeking a work placement as part of their course is a service NSA has provided for many years now .
Hannah Park , NSA Communications Officer , says : “ Members can simply get in touch a place and advert on the list which students can access to find a position . If you are looking highly experienced staff , placement students might not be right for you but equally if it ’ s young , keen and enthusiastic individuals , having students
12 | Farming Monthly | January 2017 around can be a rewarding experience for both parties . Placement students are there to provide a valuable source of labour , on a short term and relatively flexible basis but it is important to consider they are there to learn . Be prepared to answer questions at appropriate times and explain procedures , even if they seem obvious to you .”
Ahead of advertising , it may be worth considering the level of experience required . Some students may have completed placements before and be comfortable working alone immediately , while others may have no experience at all .
Miss Park continues : “ Be frank about your expectations from students to make sure those of your own match with theirs . Even if a student advertises themselves as experienced , farms they ’ ve previously worked on might have had different systems and practises in place to your own so it might be worth going over points like this before leaving a student to work independently .”
With it being a work experience , there is no obligation for farmers to pay students during their placement , although many choose to do so .
Miss Park adds : “ Clearly a sensitive issue , payment intentions or expectations should be discussed up front ahead of the beginning of a placement . With many students often living some distance from home , things like accommodation , hours expected , provision of meals , washing facilities might also benefit from a discussion early on so everyone knows where they stand . Equally important is considering whether a student will fit in with your system , take your time deciding who to take on and don ’ t feel you have to take on the first that contacts you . We often find many sheep farming members who ’ ve used the NSA Lambing List express how much they too have enjoyed the process , investing in the next generation of individuals to enter the sector .”
Find further information on the NSA Lambing List in the Jobs & Work Experience pages at www . nsanextgeneration . org . uk
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