Address

Barrydale

VAT Registration

4310177490

Fast forward from 2016, when we bid farewell to Johannesburg, to 2018, when we started milking our first flock of Awassi sheep on our small farm near Barrydale in the Klein Karoo. Finally, in 2023, we registered "All About Sheep" as a trademark. Our tiny business, which started with a dream many years ago, has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. It is a testament to the fact that you can achieve anything you set your mind to with a basic plan, big dreams, lots of hard work, many mistakes, and plenty of growth into a viable business.

The homesteading idea, which began by sterilising everything in the bathtub of our very small rented home and conducting production on the dining room table, has evolved into a fully equipped boutique micro-dairy. What began with a mere 23 Awassi sheep has now grown into three flocks of crossbreed dairy sheep, providing a year-round milk supply to meet the growing demand for our products.

Our fresh products are highly sought after, and we receive constant enquiries to supply our products to health shops and delis far afield. However, we have made the decision to remain a boutique and niche product, supplying only in the Western Cape. This way, we can personally control the quality of the products and ensure the continuity of the cold chain.

We are a small team of three family members, and together with two wonderful shepherds tending to our flocks on the farm, we have created a unique and iconic brand: "All About Sheep."

Sheep milk is rich in Essential Minerals. It is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, and magnesium, all of which are vital for boosting bone density and preventing the onset of osteoporosis. The bioactive compounds found in sheep milk have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sheep milk contains proline and hydroxyproline, amino acids that help form collagen, regenerate connective tissues, and repair skin conditions, wounds, and joints. Sheep milk includes conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and arachidonic acid, which may prevent type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer. These acids improve the metabolism of folic acid and vitamin B12, important for the development of the central nervous system.

High levels of folate in sheep milk can prevent birth defects, as folate deficiency is associated with neural tube defects. Sheep milk has the highest level of lactoferrin compared to any other milk source. Lactoferrin acts as an antioxidant, helps stop the growth of harmful bacteria, prevents infections, reduces inflammation, improves memory, and reduces oxidative stress in the brain.

Sheep milk contains higher levels of short and medium-chain fatty acids, aiding digestion and lactose absorption, making it a gentler option for sensitive stomachs. While sheep milk contains double the fat of other milk sources, the monounsaturated fats in sheep milk can lower total cholesterol levels. Medium-chain fats, which make up about 25% of the fat content, have been shown to reduce fat deposits in the body and improve overall energy levels.

Sheep milk contains one-third more energy than other milk sources, making it ideal for people recovering from illness.

The combination of minerals and nutrients in sheep milk, especially vitamins A and E, boosts immunity. Vitamin E is particularly good for improving skin health, helping to reduce symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.

The high iron content in sheep milk helps reduce the symptoms of asthma.

Sheep milk contains lecithin, which maintains healthy cell membranes.

The high concentration of important amino acids in sheep milk acts similarly to certain blood pressure medications, making it a good option for those who prefer a natural approach to controlling blood pressure.

Sheep milk has smaller fat globules compared to other milk sources, which can aid digestion and potentially help in regulating cholesterol levels. Its unique fatty acid composition helps reduce inflammation and may support brain function. Additionally, the nutrient-rich profile of sheep milk promotes overall health and wellness.

The proteins in sheep milk are smaller and less complex, making it easier for our bodies to absorb the nutrients. This means that sheep milk can be enjoyed by those who suffer from digestive issues such as lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and food allergies.

Sheep milk contains natural probiotics that boost digestive health and can be especially beneficial for people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, IBS, and lupus.

Although sheep milk does contain lactose, its composition and molecule size make it more easily digestible. Lactose in our yoghurts, kefir, and labneh is converted into lactic acid, making these products very suitable for those with lactose intolerance and sensitive stomachs.

Sheep milk is loaded with an array of vitamins including A, B (B2, B12), C, D, and E. These vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining overall health, from boosting the immune system and improving skin health to supporting energy production and aiding in the absorption of other essential nutrients. The comprehensive vitamin profile in sheep milk makes it a nutritious addition to any diet, helping to ensure you meet your daily vitamin needs.

Sheep milk is a protein powerhouse, offering 11.8g of protein per serving! This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to increase their protein intake, whether for muscle building, recovery after exercise, or simply maintaining a balanced diet. The high protein content supports muscle repair and growth, making it a superior alternative to traditional dairy products.

Sheep Milk and its by-products are fantastic for gut health and healing especially after treatments such as Chemo-therapy and radiation and have had an effect on assisting and reducing MS symptoms.

We have a large number of women in Cape Town who are weaning their babies on our milk and making their own formula using our kefir and milk. These were extremely sickly babies and our milk completely changed their lives. The babies are now healthy and thriving.

There has been some research on Sheep Milk in particular on a preventative measure for Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

The deeper you dig the more research you will find on this truly incredible power house.

Sheep are very temperamental and difficult to milk. (Sometimes they don’t like the smell of the Shepards breakfast and just won’t drop milk) sometimes they have had a tiff with a fellow Ewe and just won’t drop milk. If its too windy or too wet or too dry or too cold or well to early ……. They just won’t drop milk. We never ever force them and it just means that we lose our daily allowance of the milk to the lamb.

We are so very lucky that we have 2 incredibly Shepards who understand these moods and quirkiness of their precious girls.

On average, we get 500ml of milk per sheep, per day (that equates to a 455ml Greek Yoghurt per sheep to give you an idea) …. Compare that to a Goat that gives on average 4 litres per Goat, per day and a good Jersey Cow that gives on average 25 litres per cCw, per day. It costs almost 20 times more to milk a Sheep than to milk a Cow.

Sheep Milk is a Super Food, and our gorgeous girls need a lot of energy to produce their nutrient dense milk.

We also believe in best practice and for the first 10 days the milk belongs solely to their lambs. We then start sharing the milk with the lambs. Nature did not intend for the lambs to be supplemented with formula or lambgro. The lambs are also only weaned when they reach a certain weight. We are very strict with this and if that means that we don’t get their milk or a few days longer than so be it. The lambs and moms (Ewes) are kept together in the birthing pens to ensure bonding and then spend a few days in the Nursery with the other new lambs before being allowed to roam in the fields.

Our lambs are also only ever separated from their moms (Ewes) during morning and afternoon milking. They spend the days with mom (Ewes) in the fields and the nights in the sleeping pens.

Sheep are also lactation sensitive unlike Cows and can only be milked for about 3-4 months and because we then share the daily milk with the lambs we only get ½ of the daily yield.