Why Sheep Love Hillside Pastures

If you visit a sheep dairy, you might notice something right away. Sheep seem happiest grazing across rolling hills rather than flat fields. Hillside pastures provide the natural environment sheep are built for, and they play an important role in the health of the flock and the quality of the milk they produce.

At Hidden Springs Creamery, the hills of southwest Wisconsin create the perfect landscape for sheep to graze and thrive.

Sheep Are Natural Climbers

Sheep are well suited to uneven terrain. Their strong hooves and steady balance make it easy for them to move across slopes and hillsides.

In the wild and throughout history, sheep have often grazed in mountainous or rocky regions. Hillside pastures mimic these natural conditions, allowing sheep to move comfortably while they forage for grasses and plants.

This natural movement also helps keep the animals active and healthy.

Diverse Grasses and Plants

Hillside pastures often support a wider variety of grasses and plants than flat ground. Because slopes drain water differently and receive varying amounts of sunlight, different plants thrive across the hillside.

This diversity gives sheep a range of forage to graze on throughout the day. A varied diet can contribute to the rich, flavorful milk that eventually becomes cheese.

Healthy pasture leads to healthy animals, and that shows up in the milk.

Natural Drainage

Another advantage of hillside pastures is drainage. Rainwater naturally flows downhill, which helps prevent overly wet ground.

Dry, well-drained pasture keeps grazing areas comfortable for the flock and helps maintain healthy soil conditions. Good pasture management is an important part of responsible farming and long-term land care.

Fresh Air and Open Space

Sheep benefit from having space to roam and graze throughout the day. Hillside pastures provide open landscapes where the flock can spread out, graze, and move naturally.

This environment supports both the physical health and overall well-being of the animals.

From Hillside to Cheese

The landscape where sheep graze plays a role in the milk they produce. The grasses they eat, the fresh air, and the healthy environment all contribute to the character of the milk.

At Hidden Springs Creamery, those hillside pastures are part of the story behind every cheese. The milk produced by the flock reflects the land it comes from, creating cheeses that carry a sense of place.

It all begins with sheep grazing peacefully on the hills.