27 de January de 2026
Dinamización rural
Calidad y cadena alimentaria
Resiliencia y competitividad
This will be the first time this traveling training course has been held in the province of Huelva.
- This will be the first time this traveling training course has been held in the province of Huelva.
- The Sierra de Huelva has been chosen from among 12 candidates from regions with extensive livestock farming
The Andalusian School of Shepherds will hold its 13th edition this year in Cortegana (Huelva), following an open selection process involving 12 municipalities from regions with extensive livestock farming. This selection makes the Sierra de Huelva the venue for this training program for the first time, reinforcing the region's role in training new shepherding professionals .
Coordinated by the Andalusian Institute for Agricultural Research and Training (IFAPA) , the School of Shepherds is an initiative of the Andalusian Regional Government aimed at preserving traditional knowledge of the trade and providing students with technical tools to face the current challenges of extensive livestock farming , with special attention to generational renewal and sustainable land management.
Characteristics of the region
The Sierra de Huelva is characterized by the coexistence of livestock farming and the land, integrating the dehesa (pastureland), mountains, and chestnut groves, with native breeds of cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Furthermore, much of its area is certified organic and is part of protected areas such as the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Park and the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve .
The candidacy, promoted by the Cortegana City Council , COAG Huelva and ABLANSE , has had broad institutional, social and business support, including support from the neighboring country, Portugal.
Training
The Andalusian School of Shepherds offers specialized training that combines theoretical and practical content, lasting 570 hours. During the course, students receive training in:
Livestock management and extensive production systems.
Business management and viability of farms.
Animal welfare and environmental management.
Sustainability and digitalization applied to livestock farming.
The first part of the training will be given at the IFAPA Camino de Purchil center (Granada) and, subsequently, practical stays will be carried out in the Cortegana region during the months of April and May.
This training also allows access to aid for joining the agricultural activity, both in farms linked to the land and in those farms whose activity is linked to dairy production.