How to manage a lambing pen system effectively

For Regina Harmse, who runs the RCH Ile de France Stud on the farm Uitgezocht near Ermelo, improving the quality of her animals is a non-negotiable. With approximately 1 000 Ile de France ewes split 50/50 between stud and commercial herds, she has to run an intensive, hands-on operation in order to turn a profit. And for this to happen, maintaining the highest possible lambing and weaning percentages is essential. For this reason, lambing pens are a key part of her operation.

Common misconceptions about lambing pens are that a farmer can use them to turn bad mothers into better ones, or that the system breeds the mothering instincts out of ewes.

Harmse says the truth is that a lambing pen system is an invaluable tool for growing a flock and increasing revenue, as it enables a producer to boost weaning percentages and lower lamb mortality rates. And while it won’t sort out problem animals, a lambing pen system allows for the easier selection of genetics for better mothering ability. She adds that it is the