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Dairy Sheep
Sheep can be a less expensive start-up dairy option, compared to raising dairy cattle. Sheep’s milk often sells for a higher price per volume. Because of this, there is a growing interest in raising dairy sheep and a growing number of resources available to farmers who want to raise them.
Cornell University Dairy Sheep Program
The Cornell University Sheep Program is a global source of information about sheep, wool, sheep milk and their management, production and marketing primarily in the Northeastern United States. It also provides research documents and hosts an annual conference called the “Sheep and Goat Symposium.” Call 607-592-2541 for further information.
Penn State Cooperative Extension-Agricultural Alternatives Program
Penn State Cooperative Extension-Agricultural Alternative Program has a publication entitled “Milking Sheep Production,” an analysis of sheep dairying for producers.
University of Maryland – Small Ruminants
The Small Ruminant Page provides information to sheep and goat producers on production issues. Research areas include parasites, health and management, feeding and nutrition, breeding and reproduction and marketing. The website also provides links to other small ruminant organizations. Contact Susan Schoenian at sschoen@umd.edu for further information.
University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
A few articles from the University of Wisconsin-Madison ’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the sheep industry in Wisconsin.
A Snapshot of the Dairy Sheep Industry, Robert D. Mitchell
Move over cheddar Robert D. Mitchell
Meet our pint-sized milk producers Robert D. Mitchell
University of Wisconsin Sheep Extension Program
Sheep Management programs are provided as a service of the UW Cooperative Extension and the UW-Madison Department of Animal Sciences. Its website has extensive research information for dairy sheep producers on health and nutrition, herd management, reproduction and genetics, sheep milk and other products. Call Dr. David Thomas at 608-263-4306 for further information.
Wisconsin Sheep Breeders’ Cooperative
The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders’ Cooperative is involved in a host of activities that benefit and serve the industry. Currently, this group publishes a newsletter, supports and provides awards to involve youth in sheep projects, sponsors the Wisconsin Ram Test and hosts a website for Wisconsin sheep producers. Call 920-863-5584 for further information.
Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Co-op
The Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Co-op is a premiere maker of artisanal sheep milk cheese and the single largest source of high quality sheep milk for cheese plants in the United States . Comprised of 15 family farms, the co-op ships sheep milk as far east as New York state and as far west as California . It produces two cheeses, Mona (a blend of sheep and cow milks) and Dante (100% sheep milk). Call Yves Berger at 715-695-3617 for further information.
