Welsh farmers looking for a new enterprise are considering dairy sheep farming – a growing sector which is proving profitable for farmers worldwide.

A Farming Connect webinar held in February 2021 saw 70 Welsh farmers join, as they consider dairy sheep farming. During the webinar, they:

• Had an opportunity to hear of the Welsh Government’s commissioned feasibility study into establishing a dairy sheep industry in Wales

• Listened to information shared by experts in dairy sheep farming, including award-winning New Zealand sheep producer, Ian MacDonald.

• Heard about the first-hand experiences of Welsh farmers who are already successfully milking sheep.

The Global Sheep Milk Market

New Zealand’s sheep milk exports were worth £10m in 2019 and are projected to reach £125m by 2024.

The sheep milk market is worth £23bn globally, and it is growing rapidly. Milk is used to make a variety of high-value products from cheese to powdered infant formula milk. Sheep milk, which is easy to digest, makes it an increasingly popular choice for those who cannot tolerate cow’s milk.

Sheep Milk farmers in Wales

Alan Jones has been milking sheep at his organic farm at Chwilog near Pwllheli for nearly five years, after hearing about a Welsh ewe’s milk cheesemaker looking for more milk suppliers. His milk is predominantly used for cheese production, with some also going to an artisan chocolate maker.

Huw Jones, who farms at Llanerchymedd, believes that “It’s an exciting time for the dairy sheep industry in Wales. There is a growing market, especially with people looking into different types of milk alternatives. I sell to a local cheesemaker and next year I hope to start making milkshakes.”

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