Lambing Season: What It Teaches Us About Leadership & Teamwork
With lambing season just around the corner, here at Cairns Farm we are prepare for one of the most demanding yet rewarding times of the year. Lambing takes teamwork, resilience, patience, and adaptability to ensuring a successful season.
Farming Scottish Blackface sheep is at the core of our heritage, with 400 ewes in our flock. The Scottish Blackface is a hardy breed, well-suited to the rugged landscape and harsh weather of the Pentland Hills. Known for their strong maternal instincts and ability to thrive in outdoor conditions, they are an integral part of traditional hill farming. This year, however, our February scanning results showed we are expecting fewer lambs than we had hoped. That makes this season even more critical, requiring us to work together with precision and care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our flock.
The Power of Teamwork
Lambing is not a solo effort. It takes a dedicated team, working long hours in unpredictable conditions, to ensure every ewe and lamb receives the best possible care. The ability to rely on one another, communicate effectively, and offer support during high-pressure moments is crucial. We must anticipate challenges, divide tasks efficiently, and trust that every team member is doing their part.
Our farmer, Graham, runs the farm alongside his wife, Caroline. They are reliant on the help of their son, Alistair, and our farm labourer, Roy. This will be Roy’s first lambing season with Cairns Farm, which is extremely exciting but also poses its own challenges. Not knowing what to expect and being inexperienced can make the season particularly nerve-racking, but with the support of the team, we are confident he will pick it up with ease. And, not forgetting, Fin, our trusty sheepdog, whose role is hugely important in gathering and guiding the ewes when needed. We couldn’t do it without him.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Lambing season is physically and emotionally demanding. Sleepless nights, harsh weather, and the unpredictability of nature test our endurance. Yet, we push through, knowing that our hard work directly impacts the health of our flock. No matter the obstacle—whether it’s a difficult birth, an unexpected storm, or a ewe needing extra attention—we adapt, problem-solve, and keep moving forward.
One of the biggest challenges we face is that our lambing takes place entirely outdoors. We converted our lambing shed into our stunning venue - a decision that we couldn’t be prouder of making, however this means we must work with the elements. Wind, rain, and freezing temperatures can make lambing even more difficult, requiring extra vigilance to ensure the newborn lambs stay warm and healthy. This outdoor setting demands a higher level of care and observation, making teamwork even more essential.
Patience and Adaptability
Every ewe and lamb present a unique situation. Some births are straightforward, while others require intervention. Patience is key, and adaptability is essential. Weather conditions, complications, and unexpected hurdles mean we must be ready for anything, making quick decisions in the best interests of our animals.
The Work Continues After Birth
Once the lambs are born, the hard work doesn’t stop. Ensuring they get the best start in life is crucial. Newborn lambs must receive colostrum, the first milk rich in essential nutrients, within the first few hours of life. We monitor each ewe closely to ensure she is caring for her lambs, stepping in when necessary.
Balancing human intervention is key—we want to give the lambs the best chance while allowing nature to take its course. Regular feeding, checking for signs of illness, and ensuring the lambs stay warm and dry are daily tasks that keep us busy well beyond the peak of lambing season.
Lessons for Our Events Venue
While lambing and event hosting may seem worlds apart, the skills required for success in both are strikingly similar. Running a wedding and events venue demands teamwork, resilience, patience, and adaptability just as much as farming does. Just as we work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our flock, we put the same level of dedication into creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.
Event planning requires seamless collaboration, the ability to handle last-minute changes with grace, and the patience to see everything through to perfection. Whether tending to our sheep or hosting a wedding, the principles remain the same: work together, stay resilient, adapt, and give it everything we’ve got.
As we step into lambing season, we embrace the lessons it teaches us—not just about farming, but about leadership, teamwork, and the values that guide us in all we do.
We welcome you to host your next team-building event with us at Cairns Farm. And why not meet the newest members of our team while you’re here—the lambs!
