NZs Dairy Sheep Industry Still in Its Infancy Despite World-Class Infrastructure

Highlights:

• New Zealand exports around one-third of globally traded dairy products but has only tens of thousands of dairy sheep.
• Despite having world-class farming systems, NZ’s dairy sheep industry remains underdeveloped.
• Rising global demand for sheep milk presents a major growth opportunity for NZ producers.

Low Numbers, High Potential

Despite New Zealand's globally renowned dairy infrastructure and leadership in pastoral farming, the country is home to only tens of thousands of dairy sheep—a figure that surprises many, given its agricultural strengths. According to Nick Hammond, co-founder of the agritech startup Spring Sheep Milk Co., this number often sparks disbelief, especially when people learn about New Zealand’s significant role in the global dairy sector.

World-Class Capabilities Underutilized

New Zealand boasts some of the most advanced animal husbandry, breeding, and farming systems in the world. The country exports approximately one-third of the world's globally traded dairy products, supported by reliable trade relationships with key markets. Yet, when it comes to dairy sheep, the sector is still relatively undeveloped. “We have all the right ingredients,” Hammond has said, “but we’re only beginning to see the opportunity in sheep milk.”

Growing Global Interest in Sheep Milk

Globally, there is a growing demand for sheep milk products, driven by their perceived health benefits and digestibility, especially in Asian markets. Hammond believes that New Zealand is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend, but scaling production will require greater awareness, investment, and time. At the time of writing, the number of sheep being milked in NZ remains a small fraction of the broader livestock population.

Conclusion

As global demand for alternative dairy sources grows, New Zealand’s relatively small dairy sheep population presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Industry players like Spring Sheep Milk Co. aim to change the narrative, positioning NZ as a serious player in this niche but promising space.

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