The Canterbury sheep milking industry - an update
In the last few months, I have fielded an increasing number of calls to talk about what is happening in the sheep milking space here in Canterbury. Is it still happening? How can people get involved? Is anyone out there processing any milk yet? And how can we source stock? I enjoy these discussions as the people making enquiries have a passion for sheep and see the industry's potential.
Sheep being milked on a mobile milking platform. Photo credit Ian MacDonald
I wrote my first blog post on sheep milking in Canterbury in 2019 when the industry was only just emerging (you can check it out here). But, boy oh boy, a lot can happen in a year, especially one like 2020, so it’s time for an update!
I recently popped into the Riverside Market to the Charing Cross Cheesery stall and picked up some freshly made labneh with garlic and Mediterranean herbs and a delicious round of baa, (a soft cheese). If you haven’t tried sheep milk products, then starting with something like Labneh is a fantastic way. It’s a soft marinated cheese that goes very well in salads or on crackers. Be careful, or you may find yourself consuming the whole jar before you know it! Charing Cross Cheesery is one of the founders of the Canterbury Sheep Milk industry, and their hard work and dedication paved the way for others to get started as well.
The industry now has a few more players in the market who work at different levels and are increasingly making more and more traction. At present, there are three ways you could get into sheep milking in Canterbury.
The Artisan model. This is the all-in-one owner, operator, processor, marketer and retailer model, which is very involved and requires lots of energy and time. It’s fantastic if you have a great product and story you want to share with your market and you are an entrepreneur who loves a challenge. For example, Hipi NZ, based in Ashburton, make cheddar cheeses and sell it at various farmers markets and online. Like Charing Cross Cheesery, they fit this model.
The Co-Operative model. The Sheep Milk Supply Group is a small co-operative on the Canterbury scene. Like any co-operative, this model looks to have those investing in the co-op also to support and drive it. They are making headway into markets with 2020 being a challenging year to get up and running but watch this space (and the space on supermarket shelves!). Check them out here Sheep Milk Supply Group
The Company model. Sheep Milk NZ is also now up and running. It’s a small processor offering fresh sheep milk goods and a line of skin and body care products (Sabelle). A cheese-making facility built by the Jones Family Farm will be looking to buy sheep milk from farming producers locally, with the capacity to upscale in the coming years to further process raw milk. A small dryer is on its way to do small trials and test runs for additional products.
Sheep milk truck tanker and trailer - Sheep Milk Supply Group. Photo credit Ian MacDonald
While not new on the artisan scene but now having regular access to sheep milk, Emilio’s Cheese makes some fantastic sheep cheeses. You can find them online as well as at many farmers markets across Christchurch. Lonsdale Sheep Dairy are also still milking and making sheep milk soap – perfect wee gifts as well as it being excellent soap for your skin!
Sourcing stock is anothera challenge for the industry. With the small number of sheep milkers in Canterbury, there aren’t many ewes available to purchase. Stock can be bought from North Island breeders who have larger farming operations. For the industry to expand, breeders need to ensure they have quality and affordable stock for new entrants into sheep milking.
The Canterbury Sheep Milk Association (formally the Canterbury Dairy Sheep Association Incorporated) is still working away in the background to promote and gather information for people interested in the industry. The association is going to take part at the South Island Field Days in Kirwee 24-26th March 2021. Their stand will see a few sheep milk producers in Canterbury on-site to discuss what is happening. Recently, members of the association also attended the Courtenay A&P Show with a sheep milking demonstration and sheep milk products available to purchase. They are hoping to get along to a couple of autumn shows as well.
Sheep Milk NZ is hosting an open day on February 4th at 1 pm. It’s a fantastic opportunity for farmers interested in milking sheep to look at the operation and ask questions. 2817 West Coast Road, Kirwee.
Author: Sarah O’Connell
