• To assist in the achievement of Objective two of the RIRDC RNF 5 year R & D Plan for 1998 - 2003 which is To expand Value Adding and Product Development in Australia, through the assessment for RIRDC of the interest and potential commercial opportunity of mohair blend worsted manufacture.

As Stage 1 achieved earlier success than anticipated, Stage 2 was proceeded with using the balance of funds unused from Stage 1.

Discussions were held with Dr. Xungai Wang the Principle Investigator for project UNS-8A, to determine if use could be made of the results obtained under UNS-8A.

Discussions were held with Chris Cull, CEO Mohair Australia, to ensure that this work was complimentary that being carried out by him.

4. Appropriate samples were obtained for use in demonstrating properties of mohair, were examined and where appropriate analysed, and a report prepared. A report was also prepared listing the desirable properties of mohair and fabric properties of mohair and mohair blends, with references to research which has been done. These reports were designed for presentation to potential project partners.

5. After seeking advice, an approach was made to Jiemba Textiles Pty Ltd. a company considered to have the necessary resources to assist with the objectives.

Mohair of greater that 32 micron with annual production of approx. 180,000 kg. pa. was identified as the type most in need of assistance. 

Price and demand volatility remains an historical problem for mohair, but suggested price levels for long term grower viability have been determined.

It was decided that research from UNS-8A was inappropriate for this project.

A company considered to have the necessary resources to assist with the objectives, has agreed to co-operate in a program to identify possible market/s for mohair containing, furnishing fabrics, and to carry out development, design, and manufacture of samples for promotion.

Stage 2. 

Supervision of the production of 67 kg. of 100% mohair worsted spun from 33 micron mohair was carried out and delivery made to the company selected.

This yarn is to be manufactured into a plain sateen upholstery fabric, and upon satisfactory sample production, the product is planned for promotion as Australian mohair, in Australia and USA. Target monthly volume is 2000 sq. m. requiring about 1500 kg. of unscoured mohair.

Emphasis has been laid on concerns regarding price stability, the magnitude of expenses associated with the launch of a new product, and how this investment can be placed at risk by substantial variations in raw material or other costs. 

The large fluctuations typical of mohair fibre prices was raised in particular, with the request that this be considered and addressed by the mohair industry.

The greatest value from this project may lie in its potential as a ‘seed’ project. If a successful product were to result, then there exists the opportunity for expanded interest growing from confidence in the fibre or its attractiveness in the market. 

Recommendations:

• That further provisions be made to enable the continuance of this program covering: a. Investigation and considerations should any problems or queries arise on examination or processing of the trial yarn.
• Advice and assistance if trial proceeds to initial production run.
• Demonstration of continued interest in the project.
• That consideration be given to carrying out an investigation into the feasibility, operation, and effectiveness of forward contracts for raw mohair supply.

• To evaluate the likely adoption of a national cashmere performance recording scheme. 

An article outlining the purpose of the project was printed in Cashmere Australia so all breeders would be aware of the work. 

A letter outlining the project and a survey form was sent to sixteen breeders across five states. 

Ten replies were received. 

Discussions were held with WA Department representatives about their research flock. Control of this flock is now with Uni of WA and no active work is being carried out with these animals, hence they saw no role in this project. 

Of the ten breeder replies, seven indicated an interest in the project. 

Additional information was requested from the seven breeders including their attitude to using AI, outside sires and uniformity of information collected. 

Only five breeders responded this time. These five were asked to supply one years breeding data to allow some initial genetic analysis to be carried out. 

Only two data sets were received by the 30^th of April 1999.

• Breeders are keen on the idea of a national scheme provided it does not interfere with their own programs. 
• There is an understandable lack of confidence and knowledge in the outcome of a national scheme. The inputs required and the value of the outputs are viewed with caution. 
• The combination of 1 and 2 is the likely reason for a drop off in replies over time. 
• Genetic linkages within the industry were hard to estimate from the data supplied. It will only be possible once individual data sets are examined.

The response received is not good enough for phase 2 to proceed.

Some of the remaining funds will be used to analyse the two data sets which have been received. This will achieve the following. 

• tests the suitability of the software used by Advance Breeding Services (ABS) with goat data. 
• any minor changes needed to the software can be completed. 
• it gives the two breeders an example of the benefits of the genetic analysis. With this experience they would be in a position to "champion" the project. If this concept is to progress it requires the breeders driving it. 
• a system will exist which any breeders would be able to utilise via ABS in future years. 
• over a number of years genetic linkages would be developed or identified which could lead to a industry recording scheme developing. 

A successful scheme needs to be built up. First breeders need to have confidence in the data collection and analysis of their own data across years. From this point they will be confident to look at using existing linkages or developing linkages. The preparedness to exchange meaningful breeding data would then exist for a working scheme to develop. 

Some steps down this path have begun as a result of this project.

• To analyse and report on alternative/additional marketing systems for mohair fibre, with the aim of facilitating discussion and identifying ways in which the mohair industry in Australia might be revitalized and Australian mohair might be more successfully placed in the world market.

1. Production issues which suggest ways to improve the understanding of ‘quality mohair’ so standards can be set for producers which will also aid communication between producers and processors.

2. Promotion methods using improved market reports, direct contact with local and overseas processors and development of an Internet web site should all be used to increase awareness of Australian mohair and its attributes.

3. Industry development by way of stimulating local value adding projects was identified as a viable method of increasing consumption of fibre. There are opportunities to locally process certain types of mohair for specific end users but the process needs to be stimulated and monitored by an Industry Liaison Officer to ensure agreements are negotiated and maintained. The involvement of buyers and brokers and an advisory committee to Mohair Australia was identified as a beneficial strategy in this part of the project.

4. Once standards are determined and market awareness improved then there may be an opportunity to examine the systems currently in place for the collection and sale of Australian mohair.

University of NSW

SYDNEY 2052

• To overcome problems associated with processing Australian mohair and mohair blends, and to develop new fabrics using Australian mohair.

Different techniques have been developed to produce very fine and soft yarns from Australian mohair. Low twist and even twistless yarns of about 20 tex have been produced, which was not possible before by using conventional mohair spinning techniques.

Soft, lustrous, and light-weight fabrics have been manufactured and tested for a range of properties. A comparison with worsted wool fabrics was also made.

This project has also provided research training to two Masters students and one honours student.

P.O. Box 1217

BONDI JUNCTION 1355, NSW

• To determine the impact of reports on commercial goat fibre enterprises and producer decisions.

These publications provided case studies on different enterprises - goats, sheep and beef - using gross margins as a major determinant in drawing conclusions on goat profitability. The gross margins were determined from 1995 prices. It was shown in that research that a goat enterprise can improve whole farm profitability providing appropriate attention is given to stock carrying capacity; weed control; control of capital costs; improved genotype; and enterprise balance in mixed farm structures.

It is important for RIRDC to identify and evaluate the effect of such publications on producers. The aim of this study is to do this evaluation through a survey of producers. The study also aimed to identify what financial information and processes are used by farmers in making on farm investments; how frequently information needs to be up-dated and how best to disseminate information to the industry.