Privileges of the Mesta

The Mesta, a powerful association of sheep ranchers, are facing new challenges to their rural privileges; textile manufacturers argue that their use of land is wasteful and stifles new development. The price of Merino wool has dropped somewhat since the height of Mesta influence, weakening their political leverage. Though the economic importance of the Mesta has already waned, the nobles and clergy that make up their membership continue to wield a great deal of influence at court, and demand that their privileges be upheld regardless of the changing circumstances.