The Shepherds’ School of Castilla-La Mancha has established itself as a key tool for generational renewal and the professionalization of the extensive livestock sector. Since its launch, it has trained 437 people, responding to one of the sector’s main needs: the incorporation of new professionals into the pastoral sector.
Currently, the region has more than 5,000 farms and 2.5 million head of livestock, where the lack of job replacement is one of the greatest challenges to ensuring future viability.
During a visit to a livestock farm in Arcas (Cuenca), the regional government highlighted the role of extensive livestock farming not only in production but also as a key element in forest fire prevention and forest clearing, especially in a context marked by climate change.
Job Board and Hiring
The Shepherds’ School coordinator, Pedro Luna, explained that there are currently 200 young people enrolled in the job board managed by the Ministry of Agriculture. All of them have received specific 25-hour training in livestock management and the day-to-day needs of farms.
Since its inception, the initiative has already resulted in 47 hirings, many of them consolidated over time, responding to the high demand for shepherds in the region.
