The National Sheep Association’s (NSA) ‘lambing list’ has opened, aiming to provide solutions for sheep farmers seeking extra help at their busiest time of year.

The NSA said its lambing list is a “relied upon service” for many UK sheep farmers, which connects those needing assistance at lambing time with agricultural and veterinary students looking for work experience placement as part of their studies.

NSA communications manager, Katie James, said the trade association for UK sheep farmers is “excited” to open up the lambing list for the forthcoming lambing season.

“Recent years have seen the numbers of both farmers and students using it increase substantially meaning it is now considered the ‘go to’ place for those requiring extra help or seeking vital work experience,” she said.

“It’s a very simple but effective process – we collate a list of NSA members looking for help at lambing time and produce an advert so students can approach them directly to ask for a placement.

“NSA is confident the list will again be successful in its mission to help all of those involved.”

Lambing list

Members wanting to advertise on the list must complete a short application form via the NSA’s website providing brief details of their lambing system and the experience and position they can offer.

This includes provision of accommodation, meals and other details. Adverts are listed in the order they are submitted, so the NSA has encouraged members to get adverts in as early as possible.

For students looking for a placement, the adverts are split into regions to highlight positions available in different areas of the UK and overseas. 

“This service is just one of the many membership benefits NSA offers as well as supporting agriculture’s next generation and the allied veterinary industry,” James said.

“Young people accessing the NSA lambing list on the NSA Next Generation website will also find a host of online resources, packed with useful information on NSA’s work to support young people.”