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NewsA New Mohair Australia (28/10/08)Following a somewhat acrimonious AGM, Mohair Australia has a new Board, has closed the Narrandera office and is implementing a new operating structure. The structure is not complete yet but operations should be restored later this week. The Herd Book server is being relocated to RRS in Molong and will be back on-line by Thursday. A letter summarising the situation was posted to members on Monday 27th October. More details will be added later. A complete review and rewrite of the mohair web site will follow over the next weeks. Perhaps, of some surprise, was the vocal disapprovale by some at the AGM of the information and comment provided on this site. Well, I am sorry but I believe I have been fair, accurate and informative. This compares to the static nature of the mohair.org.au site, the failure to inform members of major issues via the News Sheet and the secret planning and implementation of significant changes by the old Board prior to most of them resigning. Just what the old Board thought they were doing and when they were going to tell the members is anyones guess.
Now we know (29/9/08)How intrieguing. The President's report in the AGM Meeting notice for Mohair Australia Limited sets out a course of action including the projected resignation of 3 of the 4 members of the Board, the registration of a Grower's Association by those three, and the tendered resignation by the staff at Narrandera effective from 22nd October. Just who is going to run the AGM? And, just when during or after the meeting are the Board Resignations to occur, and what then? One might also ask what the ex Board members believe they can do as a Grower's Association that they could not do as the Board of Mohair Australia? Now it's all very well for me to report all this but its more serious than just another gossip column. I am very aware of the responsibility I have in running this site and the danger I run in appearing to play god. I have no authority other than my own opinion, and the sooner we get back to a democratic process and a consideration of member's wishes the better. So, see you at the AGM. DS
Rumours of big change (28/9/08)It is believed that this week will see a remarkable announcement from Mohair Australia. The AGM notices were posted on Friday and it is rumoured that the report will announce the closing of the national office in Narrandera, the loss of staff and the resignation of all but one Board Member. If true this is a remarkable and sudden turn-about. Yes, there have been unsettled comments and fearful predictions but the Board thus far has been silent on its plans. One might have expected some form of solution to be offered before taking what appears to be such drastic action. Again, if true, just where we go from here is a matter of serious question. Stay tuned. AMMO Sale Raises Questions about Viability of Auctions (28/9/08)AMMO's mohair sale on Friday provided no reasurance of the duribility of the auction system in Australia. Despite an unsettled week on world finances and a wonderful offering of over 48tonne of fibre, it was clear that only one buyer had substantial orders, and you can't have a auction with one buyer and 2 bargain hunters. The unsettling trend of uneven competition leads to the conclusion that other ways will have to be found to sell the Australian clip and provide the sorts of returns required to maintain the industry. The sale saw Kid prices at acceptable levels selling to $28 but YG and Adults were again down and sold at what many will see as unacceptable prices.
GIG Mohair Module Launched.Tuesday 23rd saw the launch of the Mohair Module for the GIG manual. In a small meeting at Wee Jasper representatives of Mohair Australia, RIRDC and MLA met with some 10 mohair producers to see the module launched. The Module will be available free on request from existing owners of the GIG document. Senator Milne asks about the CSIRO Scour (19/9/08)On the 17 September Senator Christine Milne (Greens, Tasmainia) asked the Minister for Innovation, Science and Research, Senator Carr, about the CSIRO Scour. It seems that the CSIRO had offered the scour for sale by tender with a requirement that it be maintained for use of small scale value adders of natural fibres for 5 years. There was a question about whether this time frame referred also to the Dryer (which seems crazy because what would you do with hundreds of kilograms of clean but wet fibre). In any event it seems that there were no takers and the scour will have to be reoffered (with or without the dryer). In any event there is an undertaking by CSIRO to continue scouring operations until June 2009. One hopes that buyer/operator will be found as it is rather odd that the country with the largest wool production can't seem to operate a scour for small runs and research purposes. See you at Wee Jasper for the Launch of the Mohair Module of Going Into Goats - Tuesday 23rd Sept, also, the AMMO Mohair Sale in Narrandera on the 26th. (18/09/08)
Now here is somthing to plan for next year (11/9/08)Here is a pdf file with more details Summit kit It seems much of the event will be in Graaff Reinet and Jansenville inland from Port Elizabeth. I have been in contact and intend to attend. I am still trying to work out the possible approaches and have asked Mohair Australia about an "official" party. I would be happy to lead a small party to include a tour to Kruger National Park as well as the Summit, and possibly Cape Town but it is early days yet. Of course there is nothing to stop private tours. I would be happy to hear your ideas - see contact page. DS SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST INTERNATIONAL MOHAIR The International Mohair Summit was officially launched at Mohair South Africa’s head quarters in The The The event will coincide with the International Year of the Natural fibre as declared by the United Nations and represents one of the most significant developments for the industry in the past decade. Mohair South Africa Managing Director, Deon Saayman believes the “We are positive that the Summit will facilitate substantial opportunity for industry growth and that the time is now opportune to come together to reflect, analyse, plan and develop partnerships that will elevate the application of Mohair worldwide.’’ Steeped in beauty and acclaimed for its quality Mohair reached the pinnacle of global fashion and décor trends in the 80s when South African production, like its global counterparts, reached all time highs of 12 million kilograms. Current worldwide production has dropped to 5.6 million kilograms, with But revenues remain high with the change in market dynamics adapting to the volumes available without compromising the demand for high quality South African Mohair, says Saayman. The initiative is hosted by the Saayman said the “The Through the International Mohair Summit, the Event Co-ordinator Andrew Binning said the The venue for the event is in close proximity to Port Elizabeth International airport and its offering to visitors with respect to the animals and attached processing operations make the Karoo the obvious location for this initiative.’’ The Sponsorship and profiling opportunities now exist around the For information about these and general enquiries please contact the Organising company at tel: 27 41 363 03 10 or email: wellington@inkanyezi.co.za or view www.mohairsummit.co.za Australian Angora Buck Trial Starts (4/8/08)The beginning of the Buck trial coincided with the AGM of the New South Wales Division of Mohair Australia on the 2nd August. Fifteen teams with a total of 44 animals were delivered to Cudal for the trial. Two teams had been withdrawn. All animals have been weighed, drenched, vaccinated (6in1 and Gudair) and treated for lice (though no evidence of lice was seen on examination. No Footrot was observed following careful examination of the animals' feet. The 44 animals have been placed on grazing oats with adlib availability of Oaten Hay. Canobolas Rural High School year 11 agriculture students (who have a team of 2 animals) attended at Cudal on Monday 3rd to assist with treatments and to begin their major study of the trial which they require for their HSC next year. Data and photos will shortly be added to the Buck trial section of this web site. A field day is planned for November when the animals will be examined and crutched and the final display, shearing and sale is planned for the 31st January and 1st February 2009. Expressions of interest are called for the 2009-2010 trial and breeders are reminded that buck production and selection is a key role of Stud breeding. The trial represents a significant advance in the evaluation process for bucks and so for the development of the Australian mohair goat flock.
Mohair Australia Treasurer Resigns (4/8/08)The Mohair Australia Treasurer and Board Member, Alan Dunstan, announced his resignation from the Mohair Australia Ltd Board (effective immediately) at the New South Wales Division AGM on Saturday (2nd August). Mr Dunstan, a retired accountant, stated that he had been unable to convince other Board members of the need to address the financial position of Mohair Australia. He estimated that the operating loss for the 2007-2008 year was likely to be some $41,000 and demonstrated that this was at least the fourth consecutive loss from the operation of the National Office in Narrandera. The likely cash reserves remaining for use by the National Office was of the order of $110,000 with a further $80,000 attributed to Division and Region balances. These reserves were largely the result of the sale of the Melbourne office some years ago and it was pointed out that as the invested funds were depleted, income from the interest would further hasten the decline in available funds. The Division AGM was attended by be National President, Mr Ian Cathles who was unwilling to discuss the Boards activities or plans. He likened Mohair Australia to a fully laden oil tanker which could not be stopped or turned around in any short period. He said that the Board had been thinking strategically about the future but that he would not discuss the results of that thinking until the plan was complete. When pressed, he suggested that the National AGM in October might see the release of these ideas. Mr Dunstan stated that he had so far not seen the results of such thinking or been involved with discussions of this type. Other apparent deficiencies and inconsistencies were raised as to the Board's activities. There had been some confusion about Mohair Australia's withdrawal from GICA (Goat Industry Council of Australia) with the Board apparently arguing that it had done for financial reasons but apparently, GICA had been told that Mohair Australia did not see the Goat Industry peak body as relevant to Mohair Goats. The Mohair Australia representative to RIRDC's (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation) Rare Natural Fibres advisory committee had apparently not been filled (despite Mohair Australia's use of a $35,000 grant from RIRDC for the development of the Mohair Module for Going into Goats, and several requests that the position be filled for the August-October round of research proposals). Apparently several members of the Board (unbeknowns to the rest of the Board) had raised the relevance of the RIRDC with the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Fisheries with the apparent objective of withdrawing the administration of the Statutory Levy funds from RIRDC and passing it to another body. There was apparently some criticism of the way funds were currently spent. Further evidence of lack of activity or communication were also raised and the meeting was most unsettled by the situation. A number of proposals were considered and the general conclusion was that the members of Mohair Australia could no longer afford a National Office and that the current Board was not demonstrating activities which would indicate that confidence could be retained. Clearly, the AGM (the date of which has not been set) will be a lively affair.
Australian Sheep Show Highlights (22/7/08)Congratulations to Mallee Park and Tim Ferguson for the wonderful buck kid which gained the Supreme Champion Angora at the weekend in Bendigo. While only 4 studs exhibited Angoras, the Sheep Show was a great event, even if a little wet. It was refreshing to see the vitality in the sheep industry and the enthusiasm displayed in the shearing and wool handling competitions. I loved the “not-so-subtle” little challenge indicated by the gun shearer when he tied a knot in his shearing gear rope – "come and get me" was the message. Watching the wool handling competition reminded me of what seems a general deficiency in mohair fleece handling. I know mohair fleeces are different but maybe we haven’t developed this job sufficiently. Throwing the fleece greatly assists skirting and helps separate different types of skirtings. Maybe we should make a greater effort to get organised and standardise this procedure. The sheep themselves make up an incredible display and I have to admit to being perplexed by the competitions and judging of the large variety of Merinos, let alone other breeds. A great feature of the Sheep Show is the fibre displays and shops. What an incredible offering for the fibre enthusiasts. Top, yarn, fleece, dyes, clothes, etc make up much, much more than the usual market stalls.
Australian Angora Buck Field Trial to start on 2nd August at Cudal.Animals will come enter the trail on 2nd-3rd August. Some 18 teams have expressed interest so there will be close to 60 bucks in the trial. The NSW Division of Mohair Australia will hold its AGM on the 2nd in Cudal so breeders will be able to combine the delivery of animals with a little politics. Come have a look and a say. What fun - a bit of activity. And, don't forget to save the 31st January-1st February 2009 for the big shearing and sale of the animals. This really will be a revolution for the mohair industry. See you at Bendigo - Aust. Sheep Show 17th - 20th JulyOnce again the really big sheep show is on in Bendigo. And, yes there will be an Angora show as well. It is much more than just animals. This event includes a monster trading fair for fibre and associated fibre and sheep farming enterprises. Well worth a day out. Success with the long mohair sale (30/5/08)Last May (2007) National Mohair Pool was approached by a Hong Kong firm asking about the supply of a large quantity of long adult fibre for wig manufacture. They backed up thier request by purchasing 4 ordinary lots at the NMP 07-1 sale. These were A length, not long enough for their main requirement, but still useful. This was seen as a new market and a new buyer (well not actually new because the firm had purchased small quantities on overgrown mohair from NMP in the past, but certainly a new buyer in the auction system). Supplying 1 to 2 tonnes of 17+cm mohair was considered a difficult and risky business to produce. However, with a significant deposit, NMP decided to try and supply the order. The reaction NMP got when publishing the story was surprising. The powers that be did not seem at all enthused and there was some friction between buyers. Nevertheless NMP persisted and a number of growers suggested they would try and run younger adult animals through to 8 months before shearing in April/May 2008. The experience has demonstrated that we needed younger adults with good lock definition and good feed. Mushy fleeced animals failed to grow the length. Wethers were excellent for the purpose. All animals required double crutching and wigging and at shearing there was quite a lot of cots from the belly and neck to be skirted. The season may have been rather favourable and fleece weights of up to 7kg were recorded. (Many does produced 4-6kg in my own flock.) In any event the order was filled with 1454kg in 7 bales invoiced and paid for, resulting in a return of the promised $15/kg. This was a one-off order but depending on the way the fibre performs, there may be a repeat order sometime in the future. It is encouraging that NMP was able to accept the challenge of a new specification and achieve a good result for innovative growers.
Over 95,00kg mohair sold in last fortnight (22/5/08)National Mohair Pool and AMMO between them have sold over 95,000kg of mohair this May. This was a rather large amount, partly due to AMMO missing a scheduled sale earlier in the year. Buyers complained about the time between sales and the problems this causes with continuity of supply. Clearly, if we had more mohair to sell we would have more sales. Prices were generally acceptable though adults failed to reach the high prices of the last 12 months. Brokers expressed some frustration with buyers who had limited orders resulting in limited competition for many lines. Victorian Division of Mohair Australia supports Buck Trial (15/5/08)At its meeting on the 30th, the Victorian Division of Mohair Australia voted to support the NSW Division's move to run the "Australian Angora Buck Field Trial and Sale". This has been affirmed in a letter to the NSW Division. As promised, the NSW Division is in the process of writing to all breeders inviting an expression of interest in joining the trial which is due to begin on the 1st August. Letters should be posted this week. Australasian Show and Sale to move to Horsham (09/05/08)The Victorian Division of Mohair Australia has decided to move the Australasian Show and Sale, held for the last two years at Bendigo, to Horsham. This venue offers a larger pavillon (interesting dictionary spelling) and fixed shearing equipment. The dates for the show look to be the 13th to 15th February. There could be three major Australian sales in the period - the Field Buck Trial sale at Cudal on the 1st Feb, The Australasian at Horsham on the 15th Feb and the NATS at Goulburn on the 1st March.
National Mohair Pool web site goes live (01/05/08)NMP goes live with its web site. www.nationalmohair.com.au See classing details, plans, catalogue and sale reports. The first update was the preliminary catalogue for the 08-1 sale set for the 16th May in Sydney. The pool was cored on Monday with 30 lots and just over 30,000kg. Test results and the final catalogue will be made available on Friday 9th.
RIRDC releases industry survey results (01/05/08)Peter McInnes (RNF Manager) has released a summary of the survey he has conducted to assist the development of the next 5 year Plan for the RNF Advisory Committee and its program. See the RIRDC News page for the results. NSW Division to ask MAL Board what it's plans are regarding financial position. (19/04/08)Concerns about the financial future of Mohair Australia Ltd were discussed at the Division meeting on the 19th April. The Division will ask the Board for a statement about the furture of Mohair Australia given the negative financial position obvious from the down turn in membership and repeated deficite budgets evident from at leat the last 3 Boards. Duscussion will shortly be available on the Comments page.
Veldt Ram trial renamed Aust. Angora Buck Field Trial and Sale and the model accepted an adopted by the NSW Division.See the Aust Veldt trial page for details. RIRDC releases "Breeding Fibre Goats for Resistance to Worm Infection" report by S Walkden-Brown and others (report no 07/184)This long awaited report has finally been released. You can find the report in the RIRDC web site at www.rirdc.gov.au/fullreports/index.html It is a nice piece of work but perhaps, as expected, the heritability of Worm Egg Counts was found to be low (about 0.2) and it is suggested that slection of individual animals with low WEC is unlikely to produce much progress. It is recommended that data from relatives (using BLUP or other animal models) be included to increase the accuracy of the index. Of interest is the DNA marker technique for parent identification. This method for goats was developed and varified in this project. See the RIRDC report page for other information on RIRDC mohair projects.
NSW DIVISION meeting Saturday 19th AprilBig issues to discuss include 1) Financial status of Mohair Australia and a possible letter to the Board suggesting consideration of restructure, and 2) The suggested Australian Veldt or Rangeland Ram or Buck trial and sale. National Mohair Pool 08-1 sale - Sydney 16th MayPool closes 11th April or 19th April at Cudal Warehouse Introduction to Animal Health Risk Management Canberra 9th MayNot sure that this is worth it but it has been advertised. A one day course on JD, Horse flu and Newcastles disease as models for biosecutiry. Contact Maryke Archbold-Hession NSW DPI Camden on 02 4640 6333 or maryke.hession@dpi.nsw.gov.au
See you at Campbelltown show is on on the 5th AprilNormal event plus Junior Judging. Congratulations to Wilton Park and Winder.
Royal Easter Show27th March. Just back from the Royal Easter Show. This is the second largest Angora Show in the country and a serious test of one's constitution. Congratulations must go the Debbie Scattergood for her remarkable effort resulting in the taking of all but one (Reserve Champion) ribbon. See the comment section on the issue of pigmentation.
Unanswered questions.Three weeks ago I asked each member of the Board of Mohair Australia the following questions: I would also ask ( - as a concerned member): Just two Board members acknowledged receipt of my message and one sought some clarification. To date there has been no response to the questions.
Cooma Show
– DS Judged on the 8th March. Congrats to Rivers and Cullbookie NMP and AMMO to withdraw from Industry Levy collection.There are two levies on mohair growers. The Statutory levy of 1.5% of gross sales (ex GST) is payed by all growers for research and development. The "Voluntary Industry Levy" of 2% was deducted on request from growers by brokers and paid to Mohair Australia. Mohair Australia decided to make an arbitrary cap of $75 per year on this voluntary levy and was recently raised this to $165 (inc GST). Brokers found that this levy was very difficult to calculate and decided to withdraw from its collection. Mohair Australia will have to justify and arrange to collect the levy in some other way.
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