Our milking sheep flock consists of East Friesian, East Friesian/Awassi x, and Lacaune ewes. We started milking a few ewes in the fall of 2021 and have gradually increased numbers.  We have ewes that have originated in Texas, Idaho, Washington and Montana. In 2024 we registered our flock with the North American Dairy Sheep Association. We test our flock for OPP, CL, and Johnes and quarantine and test any new animals added to the flock. 

     The East Friesian Sheep are the “Holstein cow” of the sheep world. They are known to produce the most milk of the dairy sheep breeds. Our first freshening ewes will produce milk from 4-8 months with the average being 5-6. Our older ewes will produce 8-9 months and give from ½ gallon to 1 gallon a day at peak and taper off to 1 quart at the end of their lactation. The addition of Lacaunes to our flock will increase the butterfat in the milk.  High butterfat is excellent for cheesemaking. 

     We do not pull the lambs at birth. They are dam raised for 3 to 4 months and, at about 2 weeks, are separated at night so the ewes can be milked in the morning. The lambs get used to this routine and look forward to their “alone time” when they get their own grain and hay rations.  We work with the ewes before they freshen to teach them the “milking routine.” They are haltered and learn to come into the milk room and jump on the milk stand. They get rewarded with grain and animal cracker treats so they quickly learn that it is a pleasant experience. Once they learn the routine, we find them easy to work with. They eagerly await their turn for milking. They are creatures of habit. They do not like to change their routine. Some ewes will have to be hobbled to learn to accept the milking machine when they freshen. Others accept it with no problems.

     Since 2023 we have kept production records on all milking ewes. We feel this helps with our flock improvement planning.  We retain rams from the best producing ewes to improve genetics. The rams used are East Friesian, East Friesian/Finn x, and Lacaune. Our goal is to develop ewes with good udder and teat structure along with calm dispositions.  All of our sheep are grass-fed in season and fed 3rd or 4th cutting Alfalfa/Orchard grass hay in cold months. They are also grain fed during pregnancy and receive grain on the milk stand when in milk.