Mohair wins: practical tips from an Eastern Cape emerging farmer

Dintle Maphala has been farming Angora goats for the past nine years. Her hands-on approach, from breeding and grazing to mohair handling and marketing, offers a practical roadmap that emerging producers can adapt to improve their own production outcomes.

- Octavia Avesca Spandiel

In the rural heart of the Eastern Cape, near Aliwal North in the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality, Dintle Maphala runs her 287ha Angora goat enterprise on Goedehoop Farm. Through careful planning, disciplined management, and deep knowledge of animal health and nutrition, she has built a sustainable system that many aspiring and emerging goat farmers across South Africa can learn from.

Since starting the operation in 2016, Maphala has built up her flock to 493 Angora goats. Her business was officially registered in 2021.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, Maphala says new farmers should base their flock size on available resources, such as land and startup capital.

She suggests beginning with around 50 breeding goats if possible, aiming for high kidding and weaning rates to grow the flock gradually and sustainably.

"Start with animals that are ready to breed, and grow from there. Your first cycle can easily double your numbers if managed well," she says.

She says that this scalable approach can help reduce risk, manage expenses, and improve long-term profitability for any farm starting or expanding its goat operation.

PRIORITISE GOOD GENETICS AND ANIMAL SELECTION

For farmers selecting breeding stock, Maphala says physical traits and reproductive soundness are crucial.

"Choose rams with strong, muscular builds and proven fertility. Ewes should be feminine in appearance and display good mothering ability," she says.

Maphala adds that focusing on these traits not only ensures a productive flock, but also contributes to better fibre quality and healthier offspring goals shared by most Angora producers.

PROACTIVE BREEDING MANAGEMENT

One of Maphala’s most valuable tips is for farmers to plan ahead. She follows a strict Angora goat management programme, starting six to eight weeks before the mating season begins.