South Africa’s Karoo region is home to a thriving mohair industry, with the country supplying over 56% of the world’s mohair output. The semi-arid region’s unique climate and vegetation make it an ideal place for angora goats to thrive, producing high-quality mohair that is prized for its softness and sheen.
Mohair Production in the Karoo
The Karoo region’s mohair farms are scattered across the landscape, with many farms having been in operation for generations. One such farm is Wheatlands, which has been in operation since 1912 and is currently run by seventh-generation farmer Lloyd Short. Short’s farm is home to over 2,000 angora goats, which produce some of the finest mohair in the world.
The mohair produced in the Karoo region is highly sought after by luxury fashion brands, with the Italian mill Vitale Barberis Canonico being one of the many companies that source their mohair from South African farms. The fibre is used to make high-end knitwear and is often blended with wool to create unique and exclusive fabrics.
Animal Welfare Concerns
In 2018, the mohair industry faced a major crisis when animal rights organisation PETA released footage of a goat being killed during shearing. The incident led to many major fashion brands, including H&M and Gap, dropping mohair from their product lines. However, the introduction of an independently audited animal welfare certification has helped to restore confidence in the industry.
According to Marco Coetzee, director of Mohair South Africa, the industry has made significant strides in improving animal welfare standards. “Farmers go through annual audits, so they get visited once a year by their brokers and then they also get third-party audited,” Coetzee said. This has helped to ensure that mohair is produced in a responsible and sustainable way.
The mohair industry supports around 30,000 jobs in South Africa, with many of these jobs being in the Karoo region. The industry is also an important contributor to the local economy, with many farms investing in their communities and supporting local businesses.
Here are some key facts about the mohair industry in South Africa:
- South Africa produces over 56% of the world’s mohair output
- The Karoo region is home to many mohair farms, with some farms having been in operation for over 100 years
- Mohair is prized for its softness and sheen, and is often used to make high-end knitwear
- The industry supports around 30,000 jobs in South Africa
Overall, the mohair industry is an important part of South Africa’s economy and culture, and the country’s unique climate and vegetation make it an ideal place for angora goats to thrive. With the introduction of animal welfare certifications and a focus on sustainability, the industry is well-placed to continue thriving in the years to come.
