Riseholme College’s farm is opening its doors to the public on Sunday 26th February, for a special live lambing event.

Members of the public can come along to see lambs being born. Riseholme College students and staff will be on hand all day to explain what’s happening, what signs to look for and answer questions about farming.

Lambing forms part of the curriculum for students studying agriculture and animal courses at the University of Lincoln’s Riseholme College, although students on all courses are given the opportunity to get involved with the tiring 24 hour lambing rota, which involves monitoring the pregnant ewes, recognising the first signs of labour and delivering lambs.

Students studying agriculture learn about managing livestock, and are involved in the entire process of lambing, which is the culmination of months of hard work beginning in autumn with choosing a ram. Sheep farming is worth millions to the UK economy, and while agricultural land in Lincolnshire is given over mainly to arable farming, it is still important for students to take livestock skills with them into their future careers.

Some Riseholme students are already showing great promise in stock handling, including Chrissy Tyrrell, who is studying a BSc in Agriculture and Environmental Management at the University of Lincoln, based at Riseholme. Chrissy, from Spalding, won Young Stock Handler of the year at the Smithfield festival in December, after success in several qualifying events around the country.

Lambing Live at Riseholme will take place on Sunday 26th February, between 10.30am and 3.30pm, at the sheep unit. Please use the main entrance off the A15, where parking is available on the sports field. The event is being held in conjunction with the Riseholme Young Farmers, who will be asking for a £1 donation on entry. All proceeds will go to the Riseholme Young Farmers Club and the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.

Please note: Women who are, or who may be, pregnant should avoid close contact with sheep during lambing periods (http://www.hpa.org.uk)
ENDS

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Michelle Mortimer: Marketing, Intelligence and Recruitment Officer
(01522) 895441 mmortimer@lincoln.ac.uk