Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae has announced the investment of €320,000 in seven ewe simulators for use by students completing agricultural training courses.

The ewe lambing simulators are to be used by students completing courses at the agricultural colleges and at the Teagasc Sheep Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway.

The simulators are also available to students at universities and technological universities who use these facilities for practical learning and to farmer groups who wish to improve their lambing skills.

Making the announcement, Minister Healy-Rae said: “These simulators provide students with a safe environment in which to learn and improve their lambing skills.

"With live-animal training, students have limited opportunities to learn about lambing skills, however, these ewe simulators will provide students with the opportunity to practice lambing skills safely before they progress to training on live animals”.

The minister of state has responsibility for farm safety, and said that the investment builds on farm safety training in agricultural colleges over the past three years.

Teagasc director, Professor Frank O’Mara thanked the minister and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for providing funds to procure the ewe simulators. 

Prof. O’Mara said: “Ensuring that lambing occurs efficiently is vital for productivity and livestock welfare standpoints in sheep farming. Use of the newly procured ewe simulators will enhance student practice without risks of infections associated with lambing.”

Teagasc head of education, Dr. Anne Marie Butler highlighted that over 5,000 students, both full and part-time students and students in higher education, undertake practical training at agricultural colleges and centres.

An estimated 85% of these students come from livestock farms, indicating the relevance of access to the ewe simulators to practice lambing skills.

The simulators will also be available to farmer groups who wish to expand their skill base related to lambing skills.