Sheep Dairying

Milking sheep is far less common in the UK than in other parts of mainland Europe. But the small number of UK flocks involved in these enterprises are producing some sensational products – milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream – for retail, hospitality and export. 

Milking sheep is very different to rearing sheep for meat, due to the different genetics, infrastructure, nutrition and management involved. You can’t use the same breeds of sheep or the same diets, you need specialist equipment and housing (not least a milking parlour) and it’s a different skillset. 

The main activity in this area was previously driven by the British Sheep Dairying Association, which is no longer functioning. 

In 2025, there was a sheep and goat dairy conference hosted by Friars Moor Livestock Health. NSA suggests contacting them directly if you have any queries on the topic of sheep dairying here, or to search online for local sheep dairies and see if they can spare the time to speak with you about their business model, sheep flock, parlour etc. 

NSA encourages everyone to buy and enjoy British sheep milk products.