The week-long initiative brought together 30 farmers seeking to commercialise their enterprises, as well as agricultural students and young agricultural professionals, for practical training on the Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), the Material Matters Standard (MMS), climate-smart agriculture, animal welfare, technology, and mohair classing.
The training aimed to prepare participants for changing industry standards while helping them improve productivity, strengthen business management, and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
Investing in the next generation
Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Sandile Ngwane, junior training officer at the MET, said the programme is helping to develop the next generation of mohair producers.
“The training exposes young people to modern, sustainable livestock farming practices and creates new opportunities within the mohair value chain,” he said.
“Through training in animal health, mohair classing, industry standards, climate-smart farming, and technology, young people gain practical skills, become more confident, and develop a better understanding of agriculture as a viable and rewarding career.”
He added that the training helps develop knowledgeable, innovative, and responsible farmers who are better equipped to contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the mohair industry.
Bridging the gap between the classroom and the farm
For many participants, the programme offers an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the realities of commercial livestock production.
Uzusakhe Mbebe, a third-year student at Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, said the training gave him valuable insight into the standards and management practices expected throughout the modern mohair value chain.
“This training was incredibly eye-opening and valuable, especially as an agricultural student looking to make a meaningful impact in the livestock industry,” he said.
Learning about the RMS and RWS gave him a clearer understanding of how international certification systems promote animal welfare, sustainable land management, and product traceability. The introduction to the MMS also highlighted the importance of accurate, data-driven decision-making on farms.
“Focusing on climate-smart agriculture made it clear that integrating sustainable and resilient farming practices is no longer optional but essential for the future of commercial farming,” he added.
Preparing farmers for future challenges
Climate-smart agriculture was one of the initiative’s key themes, with participants exploring practical ways to improve productivity while adapting to increasingly unpredictable weather.
Boniswa Mokorotlo, co-founder of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network, said farmers need to prepare themselves, their businesses, and their communities for a future shaped by climate change.
She explained that climate-smart agriculture is based on three pillars: sustainably increasing productivity, strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved farming practices.
Mokorotlo added that climate-smart agriculture is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Every farm is different, with different soils, climates, risks, and resources. Farmers must assess their own conditions, test their soils, and choose practices best suited to their operations.”
She also encouraged producers to make greater use of technology and data to monitor rainfall, grazing conditions, livestock performance, and resource use, helping them make better management decisions.
Strengthening farming businesses
Beyond technical production, the programme also focused on helping farmers build profitable and sustainable agricultural businesses.
Sinazo Tundube, CEO and founder of the African Enterprise Network, said the organisation has partnered with the MET for the past four years as an accredited training and business advisory provider.
“Our focus is on equipping farmers with quality agricultural knowledge and practical skills, because informed farmers are more productive, resilient, and better able to contribute to the economy,” she explained.
According to her, the training has helped farmers professionalise and formalise their farming enterprises, laying the foundation for stronger and more sustainable agricultural businesses.
“Through initiatives like these, we expose participants to opportunities, best practices, and practical approaches that can help them build viable and sustainable farming businesses,” Tundube said.
