January
January ewe flock starts lambing:
Lambing will start in January for part of the flock. This is earlier than the traditional time. Lambing takes place at Notton Farm, and the ewes are gathered into open sheds. As each one is about to lamb, it is given its own pen. Students help with the process, by doing night and day shifts at the farm. They check that the births are taking place normally, and that once they are born they are breathing normally They should also receive colostrum from the mother. Weak or orphaned lambs will require special attention.
Workshop preparation and repair of machinery:
The winter means that the ground is generally wet and not much fieldwork can take place. So, the farm machinery is cleaned and serviced in the college workshops. All the tractors will be serviced and the cultivation machinery cleaned and any worn parts like plough shares and cultivator points, will be replaced. This is generally done during practical lessons with the students. Operators of some types of equipment like sprayers are required to take specialist tests to prove their competence. At this time of year, students may be trained in preparation for these tests.
