Sheep milking in New Zealand: an analytical review

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.The subject of my Kellogg Industry Applied Project is a discussion on the advantages and disadvantages for farmers investing in the production of sheep milk. I have determined there is value in the compilation of a discussion document which identifies the key variables influencing successful commercial sheep milking business. these are current and potential dairy sheep industry dynamics and parameters, market and product opportunities, production cost structure based upon differing capital cost inputs, and the projected returns on investment. My research is delivered as a discussion document due to the nature of my findings. Through substantial critical thought and analytical processes, I have found there to be many component permutations. This research could be extended into a fully-fledged business plan aimed at attracting investment into a new dairy sheep venture.\ud This topic is important to the primary sector because it will provide business growth opportunities for traditional dry stock farmers to diversify, provide pathways for young people to build their careers, support the conservation of rural communities, improved returns for conventional sheep farmers (and others) through an additional income stream, and contribute to the preservation of a traditional pastoral industry