Gómez Coronado Livestock Farm
Merino sheep
The Merino sheep is a globally renowned sheep breed, prized both for the fineness and quality of its wool and for its versatility and resistance to a variety of climates.
Physical and Productive Characteristics of the Merino Sheep.
The Merino sheep is distinguished by a series of physical and productive characteristics that have made it one of the most valued sheep breeds in the world.
It is a line of the Merina sheep, larger in size, with longer limbs, a slightly uncovered face and legs and wool with medium-length and very fine fibres.
Somewhat loaded with suarda which gives it a characteristic renegade appearance. It has a high milk production within the possibilities of the breed.
Their bone structure is strong and their body solid, which allows them to adapt to various environmental conditions.
The most outstanding characteristic of the Merino sheep is undoubtedly the exceptional quality of its wool. Considered the only breed of sheep producing fine wool, Merino wool is distinguished by its extreme softness and fineness, with a diameter that generally ranges between 18 and 24 microns, although it can vary between 17 and 80 microns in different types. This fineness makes it ideal for making high quality garments that feel soft and comfortable to the touch.
The Merino sheep breed
It is a legacy of Spanish history that we must preserve for future generations, a treasure that once had strategic status under the control of the Mesta. That is why Gómez Coronado has always been committed to this breed.
The Merino sheep is a globally renowned sheep breed, appreciated both for the fineness and quality of its wool and for its versatility and resistance to different climates. Its history is intrinsically linked to that of Spain, but its influence has spread over the centuries to numerous countries, including England, Germany and France, key markets for Gómez Coronado.
Merino sheep acquired a transcendental historical importance in Spain, being considered a state monopoly for several centuries. From the end of the Middle Ages, and for an extended period, Spain strictly prohibited the export of this breed, even punishing with the death penalty those who tried to take it out of the country. This protectionist measure reflected the enormous value of Merino wool to the Spanish economy, which between the 15th and 17th centuries dominated the international wool market thanks to the exceptional quality of this fibre.
Distribution
The Merino breed is widely distributed throughout Spain, being present in more than 70% of the provinces. The main population centres are in the dehesa regions of south-western and southern Spain, mainly in Extremadura and Andalusia, with a smaller presence in Castile-Leon and Castile-La Mancha.
Within Extremadura, the dehesas of the province of Badajoz and the southern half of the province of Cáceres stand out as areas with a high concentration of Merino cattle. This wide distribution underlines the breed's adaptability to Spain's diverse geographical and climatic conditions.
Resistance
The Merino sheep has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to the specific climate and conditions of Extremadura. This region is characterised by an extreme continental climate, with cold winters and hot, dry summers, as well as rugged terrain in some areas. The inherent hardiness of the Merino breed and its ability to graze on poor land and exploit resources that are difficult to exploit have made it the predominant breed in the Extremadura dehesa system.
Traditionally, Merino sheep farming in Extremadura has been based on extensive systems, including transhumance, which has required and encouraged its endurance and ease of long journeys in search of seasonal pastures.
Farm
Ganadería Gómez Coronado represents an integral part of this farming tradition in Extremadura, with a family history linked to Merino sheep breeding.
The improvement of our facilities and the sustainability of our farms have led us to make a clear commitment to improved natural pastures. Our herd is made up of 1,500 mothers who feed mainly on dry grassland, with high protein value, and acorns from holm oaks.
The Gómez Coronado family is firmly committed to preserving the historical legacy of the Merino breed in Spain, combining tradition with the adoption of sustainable livestock farming practices and the continuous improvement of its facilities.
Genealogy
After many years of leasing and seeing the gradual deterioration of the dehesa, we decided to launch ourselves into direct exploitation with a sustainable, viable and environmentally friendly project, also contributing to the protection and breeding of native breeds such as the pure Merino sheep. We created the project with the conviction and the illusion of handing over to our descendants a healthy farm with a viable future project.
To evolve while respecting tradition and origins, to continue growing at the pace of a new generation mixed with the sap of experience and maintaining the passion, enthusiasm, determination and family spirit that are the essence of the family.
Merino sheep
Its origin is uncertain, but it probably comes from the Merinos or tax collectors of the Kingdom of León, who collected tithes in wool, jerky and cheese. According to this idea, the Merino sheep would have originated in North Africa and moved to the Iberian Peninsula, where it was quickly adopted by the powerful Concejo de la Mesta, which held a monopoly over it for several centuries, to the detriment of the hitherto omnipresent Manchegan sheep. However, it is more likely that the breed originated in the south of the peninsula at that time or perhaps a century earlier, although its earliest origins have also been traced to Carthage and even the Middle East.
Although historically the Merino breed has specialised in wool production, today it is also valued for its ability to produce good quality meat. Merino lamb meat is considered tender and tasty, with a moderate fat content making it suitable for a variety of culinary uses. Lambs are usually slaughtered at an early age, between two and three months, weighing between 20 and 25 kilograms, resulting in pink, tender, low-fat meat. In addition to wool and meat, Merino sheep can also be used for milk production, although production is generally low. This milk, however, is of high quality and is used in the production of artisanal cheeses with characteristic flavours, such as La Serena cheese, Torta d'Alba cheese, Torta d'Alba cheese, Torta de la Serena cheese, Torta de la Serena cheese, Torta d'Alba cheese and Torta de la Serena cheese.
It does not pollute and is ecological and sustainable.
Ganadería Gómez Coronado represents an integral part of this livestock tradition in Extremadura, with a family history linked to Merino sheep breeding. Their farm, San Antonio, has been registered with the National Association of Merino Cattle Breeders (ACME) since 2010, working with excellent specimens of the Hidalgo line.
The Gómez Coronado family is firmly committed to preserving the historical legacy of the Merino breed in Spain, combining tradition with the adoption of sustainable farming practices and the continuous improvement of its facilities.
Its herd, made up of 1,500 mothers, feeds mainly on natural dry pastures, rich in protein value, and acorns from holm oaks, making the most of the natural resources of the Extremadura dehesa.
The livestock farm actively participates in agricultural fairs in the region, such as the Trujillo Agroganadera in November and the Zafra International Livestock Fair in March and September. This commitment to quality and tradition positions Gómez Coronado as a benchmark in Merino sheep breeding in Extremadura.
Sustainable livestock
Fertilise the soil
Management, Breeding and Quality of Gómez Coronado Merino Sheep:
Ganadería Gómez Coronado is distinguished by its dedication to the breeding of pure Merino sheep of the Hidalgo line. This line is known for its excellent wool quality and good meat conformation. The Gómez Coronado family has prioritised longevity and robustness in its breeding programme, selecting animals that are highly resistant to the climatic conditions of Extremadura and to the diseases common in sheep.
The livestock farm has invested in improving its facilities and adopting sustainable farming practices, with the aim of ensuring animal welfare and environmental health. The sheep's diet is based mainly on the use of the region's natural dry pastures, which are rich in protein, supplemented by the consumption of acorns during the montanera season. This natural feeding system contributes to the quality of the animals' wool and meat.
