Mohair output doubles; average price $l5

Press, 27 December 1985, Page 12

Mohair output doubles; average price $l5

Twice as much mohair, cashgora and cashmere fibre was available at the Mohair Association’s latest pool sale compared to this time last year, but prices were lower.

The average price over all lines in the second mohair pool for 1985 fell to >15.39 per kilogram, down from the previous high of >2l, association spokesman, Mr Rob Aitken said. The bulk of the mohair sold was taken by buyers from France, Japan, Italy and the United Kingdom.

The fall in prices reflects variations in exchange rates and continuing currency fluctations, Mr Aitken said.

“Nevertheless, in the last six months in excess of >1 million worth of mohair, cashgora and cashmere has been sold which is twice the amount for the same period last year. "We fully anticipate that this will double again in 1986,” he said.

Confidence in continued expansion is based on the large number of animals being imported, the development of ovum transplant technology, and the increasing numbers of feral goats entering the industry as base stock, he said.

"Progeny from the ferals is boosting the quantities of cashgora and cashmere

available for sale.”

While enquiries from overseas buyers continue to increase there was a notable and disappointing lack of interest from local manufacturers during the last pool, Mr Aitken said. He suggested that could be due to a lack of awareness regarding the economic advantages of using mohair in blends and also the limited processing facilities available in New Zealand at present. The second mohair pool for 1985 closed on October 10 with receipt of tenders ending on November 10. Producer payments began on December 10. Growers should take notice of the particularly wide differences in return between quality purebred fibre and "kempy” mohair of the same fibre type, the Association advised.

The price per kilo for “A” kid grade was >25 while Grade 2 kid (kempy kid) fetched only >15.42, he said. Prices were:—

A kid >25, B kid >2O, 2 kid >15.42; Young goat >2l, Young goat 2 >13.26. A doe >15.10, B doe >l5, 2 doe >11.64, B2 doe >7.52, A crossbred doe >11.76. A buck >l5, B buck >l2. . Pieces >7, Stains >7.63, Cotts >9.10, Inferior >3.71.