Mohair and milk: Goats added to mix
When it comes to business diversity, Michael and Susie Woodward say they’re on to a winner with their one-of-a-kind King Country farm.
The Woodwards believe they are the only ones in the country farming 300 dairy cows alongside 250 angora goats, on their 170 hectare property near Ō torohanga which they purchased in 2019.
It is appropriately called Cowgora Hills and run under their business Woodward Farms.
Their unique mix of cows and goats, along with their focus on planting biodiversity and environmental planning stands, is a model they hope others might follow.
They receive a premium for their cows’ A2 milk, supplying to Synlait, while the goats produce mohair for domestic and international markets – which the Woodwards are keen to grow.
Michael and his father John, a pioneer in the mohair industry, built a specialist classing shed on the property where they process fibre from Kiwi suppliers to sell to the world.
At the moment, about 30 per cent is used domestically, some is sent to Design Spun in Napier to be made into mohair blankets and yarn.
The rest heads to South Africa, which is the biggest producer of mohair in the world, Michael said.
‘‘There is an auction system there but we deal directly and use their auction prices as a guide.’’
Most of the adult goat mohair clips are used in New Zealand, while the higher quality clips from kids and younger goats go overseas to be used in clothing – such as high-end suits made in Italy and some in Asia.
Mohair fibre’s attractive quality is its lustre and shine, Michael said, which stands out.
‘‘It doesn’t wrinkle when it’s blended with wool in clothing, it also dyes a lot better than a lot of the other types of fibre. It absorbs colour very well.’’
High-end mohair from kids can attract up to $60 per kilogram while adult fibre is about $25 per kilogram. Low quality or stained fibre can earn about $6 per kilogram.
‘‘But the average for a lot of herds is closer to $35 once you throw in all the mixed age animals.
‘‘So, with our goats returning on average between $100 to $150 per animal a year, it doesn’t take too long to earn a return on the investment.’’
The Woodwards hope this might help them sign up more mohair suppliers and convince dairy or sheep farmers to add mohair goats to their business