(2024.12.01)

The Basque sheep sector

Sheep farming in the Basque Country is mainly related to latxa breed. It is one of the most primitive sheep breeds that, thanks to its survival instinct and ability to adapt, has managed to remain in the rugged Basque landscapes. Its name is closely linked to its appearance, latxa means coarse, rough in Basque, in clear reference to the quality of its wool. It´s a dairy breed and the milk is highly appreciated for its nutritional properties. Half of the milk produced in the Basque Country is used to elaborate cheese in their own cheese factories. Normally, latxa sheep graze outdoors all year round, to a greater or lesser extent depending on the weather. 

Short transhumance is common, in which the herd is located in low areas during the production season and then, when the hottest months arrive, climb to the highest pastures of the mountain. For this reason, the latxa fulfills an ecological function of great value. And by feeding on the forage found in the mountains, it takes advantage of resources that would otherwise be lost. In addition, it manages to clean the mountains in a natural way, actively collaborating in the conservation of landscapes.

Factors influencing the efficiency of milk production

The productivity of the latxa is around a liter of milk a day for approximately 144 days and a prolifacy of 1,27.

The sale of lambs is a residual income due to its low price, so profitability depends entirely on dairy production and its transformation. 88% of the herds that are under dairy control, measuring milk production and quality. In recent years, udder morphology has been also analyzed.

Improving milk production without reducing hardiness is the key to improving system efficiency.

 Why did we get involved in the LIFE Green Sheep project?

When we talk about the latxa sheep we refer to a production system linked to the environment, which takes advantage of the resources found in the area's meadows and mountains. Society relates sheep production to sustainability, and from the agricultural sector we know that it can still be improved, achieving even more efficient production. That is why having a tested tool and data from other similar regions is necessary, to have a starting point and to obtain examples of improvement.

Producers are aware of their responsibility towards the environment that they so much respect, so continuing to improve is essential for them.

Emissions in the Basque Country

At the Basque Country level, the emissions that come from agriculture are 3%, without considering its sequestration potential, while transportation, the energy and industry exceed 80% of emissions. Furthermore, agricultural emissions have been declining for years. Even so, it is one of the most fragile sectors in the face of any climate change, especially when part of the food is purchased from other areas.

 How we can reduce GHG emissions

When analyzing the origin of sheep nutrition, we see that most dairy sheep farms are semi-extensive and the sheep graze throughout the year. But we also know that a large part of the food is purchased from other communities, both forage and especially grains, with the transport emissions that those entail.

Furthermore, the figure of the shepherd directing the shepherding has led to less directed, freer, and continuous shepherding. Therefore, an improvement in pasture management to be able to increase the amount of self-feeding is necessary, to improve the efficiency of the farm and thus see if genetic improvement produces its results.

Challenges in taking this project forward

The key to the adequate participation of ranchers in the project is correct communication. We know that ranchers are responsible, they understand and know the environment and they take care of it by tradition and because it is their way of life, but they have lost faith in so many projects in which they see themselves participating but from which they do not perceive results. All this, together with the demonization of the sector by different interests, discourages them.

Short-, medium- and long-term interest of the project for the sector

Informing and training ranchers in environmental language and in knowing what Carbon footprint is and what does it affect on is totally necessary so that they are able to know their role and defend it.

We believe standardized tools are necessary to do the diagnosis of the sector and measure its contribution to sustainability. Furthermore, it is positive for society to see that the managers of the territory really care that they are doing well and that by consuming their products they are also supporting the environment.