Spring Sheep Expands New Zealand Sheep Dairy Supply Chain

Spring Sheep, a leading sheep dairy producer in New Zealand, is actively recruiting new supplier farms to enhance its milk production capabilities. Over the past decade, the productivity of supplier herds has significantly increased. Recent records show an average milk solids production of 57 kg per ewe, with top performers reaching up to 67 kg. This is nearly double the 35 kg average recorded ten years ago.

CEO Thomas Macdonald credits these gains to the company's 'Zealandia' genomic breeding program, which focuses on breeding high-yielding ewes suitable for pastoral grazing, comparable to European grain-fed systems. To capitalize on increased milk volumes, Spring Sheep offers a farmgate payout range of $15.50 to $16.00 per kg of milk solids.

The company is also focusing on expanding its processing capacity at the Melody Dairies facility located at the Waikato Innovation Park in Ruakura. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to ensure a consistent supply as existing farms reach peak stocking densities.

Spring Sheep's commercial strategy has evolved to emphasize international brand building in key Asian markets. The company processes most of its milk into branded consumer products, including an infant formula line registered with China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). Additionally, Spring Sheep is expanding its distribution networks in Vietnam and Malaysia.