Two bales of mohair broke the R1 000/kg mark during the third auction of the season, with a third bale selling for R993/kg in an auction characterised by strong competition among buyers, as well as high-quality mohair.
By Johan Norval
A super style, B-length bale of 20,4 microns from the Kamferskraal farm of Sias Reynolds of Beaufort West sold for a seasonal record price of R1 005/kg, and is also one of the top five prices achieved so far in South Africa. The bale was sold to Standard Wool. Another super style, B-length bale of 23 microns with a clean yield of 95% from Petrus Marx of the Marwyk Angora stud of Wolmaransstad sold for an exceptional price of R1 000/kg.
A third super style, B-length bale of 25 microns with a clean yield of 95% from the Kunna Family Trust of Isak and Zak van der Merwe of Aberdeen sold for R993/kg, also surpassing the previous season’s record price of R950/kg. House of Fibre acted as broker for all three bales.
According to the House of Fibre market report, such strong competition between buyers has not been seen for years, and mohair of similar quality has rarely been seen at the third auction of the season. According to the Mohair SA market report, the average market indicator was 4% higher at R407/kg.
Years of breeding
Although there are still 20,4 micron bales available, Kamferskraal’s bale is a B-length in a super style with excellent character and a clean yield of 89,9%, making it very special, explains Pierre van der Vyver, general manager of House of Fibre. Hair that is usually so fine is often short and matted. He adds that Standard Wool, the buyer, purchases only a few bales of mohair annually for a specialist yarn manufacturer in Italy.
According to Sias, it is rewarding to receive recognition for hard work, showing that all the elements are now coming together.
“I am building on the platform that my father (Louis), who has been farming Angora goats to specific standards since the late 1970s, established.”
For shearing, the every goat tested (EGT) method was followed, whereby mohair samples were taken from every goat on the farm and sent for further testing. The goats were then shorn into micron groups according to the results, allowing for far more accurate classing than the traditional hand-and-eye method.
The kids, however, were classed by hand and eye, as their hair is extremely fine, explains Sias. These kids are carefully managed after weaning at two months, after which they are placed on a complete feeding system in a kraal and fed three to four times a day.
“This contributes to the clean yield, ensuring there are no seeds or other contaminants in the clip.”
According to Sias, the exceptional clip is also thanks to reliable staff who class the main line. He uses a private shearing team from Aberdeen, who first shear his father’s flock and then his.
He runs a commercial Angora herd and breeds for an adapted animal suited to the holistic agricultural practices his father has implemented since the 1980s, which he believes contributes to the fineness of the clip.
“We have large herds that move quickly through small camps, and the animals have to be adapted to that.”
Sias believes his clip is genetically fine, but adds that because the goats are kept in a high-pressure grazing system, they are constantly competing, which contributes to finer fibre production.
Winner mohair from the North
For Petrus Marx, who farms a mixed enterprise in Wolmaransstad, this achievement is a highlight amid challenges facing several agricultural sectors.
“We plant maize, sunflower and soya, and run cattle and a game enterprise. Foot-and-mouth disease has placed pressure on livestock, while grain prices and fuel costs are also under pressure. Then a fortunate result like this in mohair lifts your spirits again.”
The price came as a pleasant surprise, as the valuation price was R900/kg.
Petrus is a pioneer in the Angora industry and five years ago established the first Angora stud in the northern parts of South Africa.
According to Petrus, as always, he aimed to present his best mohair at the auction. Producing the clip is a six-month process during which the goats must be carefully managed before shearing. High-quality breeding material plays an important role in the quality of his mohair. He also credits the team at House of Fibre, as well as the buyers, for helping achieve the price.
Behind the scenes
According to Pierre, a significant amount of work goes into preparing a bale. The technical officers at House of Fibre play a crucial role, providing input to ensure that each farm’s bales are prepared to the highest possible standard.
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