According to the NWGA, for the past two years, approximately 3 300 farmers were trained by means of 112 courses around the country with the primary objective of how to handle basic sheep breeding, animal nutrition, animal health, and shearing sheep management. 

This time around, the wool sheep farmers from Masibambisane Project in Lady Frere benefited enormously from this groundbreaking programme where the NWGA developed four wool sheep training courses and provided the production advisors with the necessary material. T

he courses included visual presentations as well as practical demonstrations in five short courses.

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The South African Agricultural sector has shown great concern following the suspension of all wool imports from South Africa by China. 

This comes after China recently confirmed that due to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) they would temporarily suspend the wool trade with South Africa. According to the Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), Wandile Sihlobo, China is very important when it comes to the wool industry. 

He says about 71% of South African wool has in the last five years been exported to China and if the current trade friction is not soon resolved, the South African wool industry could be negatively affected. He, however, says the wool industry is receiving the utmost attention and they hope that the situation will be resolved within the shortest possible time in order for the industry to resume normal trading activities.

OFM News/Michael Tlhakudi