Dairy Sheep Symposium - the Department of Animal Sciences ...

Pounds of Milk Sold Per Year
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
History of Milk Sold Through the WSDC
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Production Year
The co-op is actively pursuing business relationships that we expect will result in both
mutually beneficial results for the co-op and our partners as well as additional income for the
members of the cooperative. Work on a branded product has been delayed, primarily due to the
lack of sufficient milk to support this project.
Current Status of WSDC
During the 2001 season, the co-op consisted of twelve member farms. These farms had
flocks ranging in size from 25 - 250+ ewes. All flocks are currently using seasonal dairying,
with milking beginning in some flocks in February and ending in others in October. The potential
for year round milk production will continue to be evaluated as market needs grow. Initial milk
production for dairy sheep in the cooperative began at ~120 lbs in 90 days. Though introduction
of improved dairy genetics and heavy selection for higher yielding animals, production levels for
many animals now exceeds 400+ lbs in 180 days. With an interest from cheese processors on the
use of component pricing in the future, the selection process is now shifting to selection of
animals with higher % solids, while maintaining high levels of milk production.
The milking equipment used by co-op members has shifted from bucket milking (e.g. Surge
buckets) and freezing in chest freezers to pipelines and the use of commercial walk-in freezers
running at -15°F. The changes have resulted in a much higher quality of milk with much longer
shelf life.