Mohair industry experts make their way to New Zealand shores
Some of the world’s leading experts in Angora goats and mohair are arriving in New Zealand to share their knowledge and
expertise with the country’s Angora goat farmers.
The Mohair New Zealand (Inc) and Federated Farmers Goats conference, being held in Pukekohe, near Auckland, is set to
educate and inspire our Angora goat farmers over three days this month.
A highlight of the event will be the presence of G T Ferreira, a world renowned mohair producer who made his mark as a
top Angora goat farmer in South Africa, (regarded as the world’s best producer of high-quality mohair). He has since
brought his world-class genetics, global reputation and industry contacts to Australia, where he is now based.
"G T Ferreira demonstrates the potential of Angora goats as a sustainable and lucrative farming enterprise. To have him
talking to our farmers here is invaluable," says Mohair New Zealand Chairman John Woodward.
Mr. Ferreira will be joined by representatives of the Turkish Mohair Industry - with the delegation led by Assoc. Prof.
Dr. İrfan Daskiran from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock of Turkey. He will be accompanied by senior
members of Turkish Sheep and Goat Breeders Association.
"We’re privileged to have Turkish industry experts at the event. The Angora goat originates from Turkey and is named
after what was once the name of the country’s capital - Angora.
Not surprisingly, Turkey has a longstanding Angora goat farming industry and we can learn from each other about how to
improve out respective sectors."
"Attending this conference is a rare opportunity for both new and experienced Angora goat farmers to add value to their
businesses," Mr. Woodward says.
The conference will be held between 22-24 January in Pukekohe, Auckland. A feature of the three day event will be a
field trip to David Brown’s Angora goat stud farm at Waipu on Friday 22nd and an Angora goat sale on Sunday 24th
January.
ENDS