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• The training will be free, accredited, and will combine theory with practical placements in real farms.
• The project will be developed in the province of Ourense, with the participation of 19 municipalities.

Extensive sheep and goat farming in Galicia will have its first dedicated vocational training school, designed to facilitate the integration of new professionals into the sector. The " Galician Shepherds' School" will begin its activities in March in Ximo de Limia, Ourense, with an accredited agricultural training course that combines theoretical and practical instruction on working farms.

The initiative arises in a context marked by a lack of generational succession and by market demand exceeding current production in the Galician sheep and goat sector. In addition to offering a career path, the project aims to strengthen land management and contribute to fire prevention by promoting extensive livestock farming.

Contents

The “Galician School of Shepherds” will offer a free, officially recognized course that combines technical knowledge, practical experience, and a business orientation. The content will focus on:

• Management of sheep and goats in extensive farming systems.

• Animal welfare and the application of new technologies to grazing.

• Economic management and viability of livestock farms.

• Work organization and quality of life in rural areas.

The training is designed to empower people who want to start their own livestock project under current market conditions.

Calendar

The training program is structured in different phases throughout the year to adapt to production cycles and facilitate work-life balance:

• The course starts in mid-March .

• 250 hours of theoretical training concentrated in two days a week, combining face-to-face and online learning.

• Theoretical-practical block with seminars and technical sessions.

• Stays on livestock farms during the month of September spread over 320 hours.

The practices will be carried out on real farms located in 19 municipalities in the province of Ourense, including Xinzo de Limia, Verín, Viana do Bolo, A Gudiña. To Mosque or Vilariño de Conso.

Extensive livestock farming and institutions

The project highlights the role of extensive livestock farming as a land management tool, generating economic activity in the region. Livestock management contributes to forest management by reducing vegetation biomass, which in turn helps prevent forest fires.

The “Galician Shepherd School” is promoted by the Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders of Galicia (OVICA) and has the support of the Ourense Provincial Council , the Galician Food Quality Agency of the Xunta de Galicia - responsible for regulated training - and the La Caixa Foundation , through its local action program in the rural area.

With this initiative, Galicia aims to professionalize shepherding and present this activity as a skilled employment option, with a future and linked to the sustainable development of the rural environment.