There was a time when wool was considered "white gold." Today, it poses a problem for farmers and an environmental problem if treated as mere waste.

Every spring, shepherds shear their sheep, and in recent years, the wool generated by the mass shearing has become a problem. In the past, this wool was profitable for shepherds because sheep's wool had multiple uses, from mattress stuffing to being skeins for making other outerwear that, with new technologies, have practically fallen into oblivion. Thus, a raw material once in high demand has become a product that almost no one wants anymore. Today, far from being beneficial, it is a burden for shepherds, who don't know how to manage the large volume of wool, because, moreover, it is very costly.

What used to be a source of extra income for livestock farmers, separate from the sale of meat and milk, has become "another obstacle or stumbling block" for sheep meat production. "This meat is more expensive than others because the process is slow and extensive. On top of low sales, decreased meat consumption, and extremely tight profit margins, something that could have provided a little relief is now an additional expense," adds the manager of COOVA.

Whether they're sold or not, shearing sheep is a necessary requirement to guarantee their hygiene and well-being during the hottest months. "Removing that fleece allows them to stay much cooler and prevents diseases. Shearing is essential."