For the past 5 years I have studied at Writtle College which due to the on site farm that is mainly where my farming experiences have stemmed from. I have some experience with showing cattle, however there are limited cattle on the farm so my experience doesn't range very far with cows. For 7 months I volunteered once a week on the working pig unit at the College, where I participated in daily tasks on the intensive system from power washing crates, feeding, ear-tagging, AI and teething/ tailing. During 2012 I completed 4 weeks ( night shift) lambing 350 ewes at Reeves farm, Mersea, gaining more experience and confidence. As well as travelling to scotland to help lamb 2000 ( roughly) mixed breed herd ( shetlands, texels, blackfaced and mules) My main interest was working with the sheep - being at the college for 5 years saw me go from a complete novice with the sheep especially at lambing time. to progressing over the past couple of years to be asked to supervise and be on call should anyone get in trouble with a distressed ewe etc. I was also privileged to complete  my dissertation on the ewes during lambing so therefore I was aiding further student in subsequent years with their dissertations. I appreciate that lambing is not 9-5 and a sharp eye is vital. I am confident in assisting troubled ewes and can recognise signs that a ewe may be struggling. I have assisted ewes from single lambs to triplets and assisted various positions. I am also confident in general sheep handling and husbandry from turning sheep to foot trimming and vaccinations.