Focus on Angora fibre quality, goat health at Murraysburg Farmers’ Day

The event, hosted by the Murraysburg Mohair Farmers’ Association in partnership with Mohair South Africa (MSA), was attended by around 60 producers and their workers, who received practical training on Angora wool classing and animal health.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Frans Retief, chairperson of the Murraysburg Mohair Farmers’ Association, said the annual gathering remains a crucial information point for local producers navigating tough production conditions.

“It is an opportunity to get the best information from [MSA] on where the market stands, the animal diseases that people [are dealing with] at the moment, and what we can expect in the new year,” he said.

Retief added that morale-building is just as important as gaining technical knowledge: “If [you’re] sitting alone on [your] farm during a drought, you think you’re the only one suffering.

“A day like this brings [people] together and gives you hope. It’s good to socialise, share positive news, and build bonds again.”

Much of the morning session focused on practical training for farmworkers, aimed at improving their fibre preparation skills and teaching the correct handling of Angoras during routine procedures.

“Workers were guided on catching, holding, dipping, and dosing techniques to ensure consistent, safe, and high-standard husbandry practices. MSA field officers and experienced classers led the sessions, reinforcing best practices that directly influence clip quality and animal welfare,” Retief added.

Dr Mackie Hobson, a veterinary surgeon from Graaff-Reinet, said engaging directly with producers on emerging and persistent animal health risks has become increasingly important.

“We come to these farmers’ days to share information on [animal] health and welfare and to support our mohair producers. It’s really about increasing production by ensuring goats are managed correctly,” he said.

Later in the day, the session shifted to priority disease threats.

“We discussed Rift Valley fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and general health issues we are seeing in the field. We certainly have lots of them,” Hobson said.

Retief added that the gathering marked a positive end to what has been a challenging production year in the district.

“Being together at the end of a difficult year helps you reset. You always learn something from someone you never thought about, and that’s what makes this day so important,” he said.