January 28, 2021 6:00 am Lambing accounts for over 25% of the annual labour requirement on a sheep farm, so any steps that can be taken to reduce labour is really important. On tonight’s Teagasc Virtual Sheep Conference at 8:00pm, hear how you can reduce labour at lambing by improving lamb vigour and ewe mothering ability through breeding. Still time to register now at: www.teagasc.ie/sheepcon21. The study of genes and genetic variation, is a powerful tool at the disposal of farmers to identify the genetically elite animals to be the parents of the next generation. All improvements achieved through breeding are permanent and cumulative, meaning their consequences will be seen in the flock for many years to come.