Industry turning towards sheep milk benefits
number of sheep being milked, but also in the production farmers are getting from their sheep.
His view is that cow-based dairy systems are at the mercy of price volatility, driven by many factors such as US grain prices and European subsidies.
In contrast, he sees more price consistency in sheep milk products because the sector is driven by demand, not supply.
Sheep milking, he says, is a way of diversifying away from the more intensive, cow-based dairy farm model.
“It’s a way of speeding up that shift away from 25kg bags of milk powder,” he told the Herald. “At the moment we are building an industry that is based on demand for our produce. It is not a supplydriven business.
“[There is] interest out of Asia for some of the products that we are producing — infant formula,
Can take under an hour to digest, compared with up to four hours for cow’s milk.
An alternative for people who are lactose intolerant. With lower short chain fatty acids that are found naturally in sheep milk, this helps absorption of lactose. Maui Milk targets a payout level of $17/kg of total solids.
One ewe producing 300 litres earns $900 in milk, plus some meat and wool income.
Retail prices can exceed $5/sachet, which equates to $200/kg
Maui is assessing potential for infant formula, fresh milk exports, and other high-value products. Dozens of high-end cheeses, including feta, camembert and curado. Sheep milk drinks and yoghurt