In our region, these farms have always coexisted and the vast majority of farms in the region also had their own livestock breeding, as it was the perfect complement to the agriculture carried out there. Over time, however, many of these livestock farms have disappeared due to the complexity and effort involved in livestock management.
Our flock consists of about 2,000 sheep of Manchega breed, the native breed of the region. Traditionally, the Manchega breed was considered to have a dual suitability , whereas both meat and milk production were promoted. Nowadays, however, the breed is mainly used for dairy farms. Thanks to its rusticity, the Manchega sheep is very well adapted to the region’s harsh climate, which is very dry and hot.
Animal welfare is paramount
Animal welfare is crucial for us to produce milk in a respectful and sustainable way. Since 2006, we have treated our animals with care, paying special attention to the key aspects.
Good health
In 2017, we built a new milk parlour just a few meters away from the dairy. Advanced technology has allowed us to gain speed in milking, but most importantly, these facilities mean more welfare for the sheep. Besides, it allows a better production monitoring and a closer quality control.
The milking process is done twice a day: first in the early morning and secondly from 4pm onwards, avoiding delays and excessive transfers of the milk allows us to produce cheeses with very fresh milk and under best possible conditions.
Adequate housing
The sheep enjoy nature on the property and graze daily in our meadows, pastures and stubble fields under the care of the shepherds. This is essential for the production of quality milk, rich in nuances and nutrients, and thus the key to provide our cheeses with excellent aromas and complexity.
Adequate nutrition
Our animals’ feed is largely based on what is produced on the farm itself, such as winter cereals, corn and its fodder, alfalfa, straw… while the sheep return organic matter to the olive grove in the form of manure, helping build a circular economy model.
