The British Sheep Dairying Association

About BSDA

The British Sheep Dairying Association was formed in 1983 because of the increasing interest within the UK both in sheep dairying and its products. Its aims are to promote the production, manufacture, marketing and consumption of quality dairy products derived exclusively from sheep’s milk in the UK. A particular interest of the Association is to encourage Young Farmers to embark on this new form of dairying and processing.

The Association is the negotiating body for new legislation concerning sheep dairying within the UK or EC. The Association also arrange Study Tours to see other sheep dairying enterprises both in the UK and abroad which, in the past, have saved members a great deal of unnecessary expense in setting up and have gained them invaluable experience.

British Sheep Dairying Association Firsts

• B.S.D.A. were the first, in 1987, to import frozen ram semen in commercial quantities into the UK. Although this was Friesland semen, it was the first of any breed.
• B.S.D.A. were the first in the world to develop a M.O.E.T. programme for Dairy Sheep.
• B.S.D.A. were the first in the world to produce an English Language journal - SHEEP DAIRY NEWS - entirely devoted to sheep dairying and sold worldwide.
• B.S.D.A. were the first in the world to sell sheep milk by the pint/half litre as drinking milk on a commercial scale.
• A member of B.S.D.A. was the first in the world to deliver frozen sheep milk in half litres on mail order nation wide by overnight courier.

• To promote the milking of dairy ewes in the UK.
• To provide help and advice to all prospective sheep dairy farmers and processors of sheep milk.
• To set a standard of excellence for all products marketed, by encouraging its members to maintain a high standard of hygiene and quality in all aspects of sheep dairying.
• To create and maintain a register of dairy sheep flock owners involved in the production of sheep milk products.
• To promote the improvement of milk production of suitable ewes by encouraging members to record yields and monitor the performance of ram and ewe lines.
• To promote frequent area meetings within the UK for members to exchange ideas and information.
• To seek out and maintain contact with similar organizations and sheep milkers overseas for the exchange of information, ideas and experiences.

Council

John Ryrie - Chairman
Gerald Williams
Stephen Fletcher
Mark Hardy - BSDA Secretary
Robert Hyde
Simon Peet
Simon Stott
David Titcombe
John Ryrie
Kiley Threadgold - Treasurer

BSDA Membership

Membership of the Association is open to:

1. Individuals
2. Partnership firms
3. Associations properly constituted as such.

Classes of Membership

1. Honorary Members (awarded by Council)
2. Ordinary Members

Entrance Fee and Subscription Rate
The Association’s Year for subscription purposes commences on the 1st of January each year.

The annual subscription rates are as follows:

Full membership: £50
Payment can only be accepted in pounds sterling; we can no longer accept payment in other currencies.

Click here to download the membership application form (PDF)