NEWS
The Angora industry has developed the RMS ( Responsible Mohair Standards ) system that is similar to the RWS ( Responsible Wool Standards ) system . These are standards for sustainable farming that put the well-being of the land , workplace and animals first and ensure that Angora farming practices remain safe and humane for humans and animals . Producers are audited every year to ensure that they meet and maintain the standards set by these systems .
WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM REWARDS OF AGORA GOAT FARMING ?
I think the most rewarding thing is knowing that there is longevity in this business . I believe there will always be a market for mohair - for as long as people wear suits or clothes and socks , there will always be a market in the world . What makes the product unique is that there is no substitute for it . Mohair is one of a kind and cannot be replicated or replaced .
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THAT YOU FACE IN YOUR BUSINESS ?
Right now the biggest challenge is to get goats here from the Eastern Cape . This can be a costly exercise as it requires stellar infrastructure . In winter , veld fires are surely our biggest challenge . These fires can flare up unexpectedly and threaten your livelihood by destroying the animal feed .
ANGORAS ARE NOT ORDINARY GOATS . WHAT ARE SOME SPECIAL CARE REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE VITAL WHEN FARMING WITH ANGORAS ?
It is important to manage your camp effectively . Whether their hair is long or short , the goats often find themselves caught in the shrubs and trees or sometimes their long hair sweeps the grass and gets dirty . It is vital to take extra care of the goats and keep their hair clean . Otherwise they are just the same as ordinary goats , just a little less naughty .
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO START AN ANGORA FLOCK ?
The first thing is to make sure that you have your infrastructure right . You also have to buy animals that are of a high quality . This may prove to be expensive in the beginning , but it will save you a lot of money in the long run and you will reap the rewards .
SENWES SCENARIO | LENTE � SPRING 2021 21