June 2024

As we roll through autumn bucks will be out and farm systems set up for winter, we start the exciting journey heading to another generation of new genetics on the ground and harvesting more quality New Zealand cashmere.

The west of the north Island has experienced a great summer and autumn countered with drought conditions in Northland, southern Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa. In general most farmed (and wild) goats are in great condition this year and with about a dozen 2TH Hēpara  Cashmere bucks delivered north this year for mating, we wait with anticipation for the next generation of quality cashmere animals this spring.

With most bucks running with does now focus now shifts to setting up for shearing in July or August and kidding later in the spring. It is important to plan shearing timing to get the fibre off before it starts to shed and cott on the animal as well as giving the does at least 4 weeks post-shearing to toughen up before kidding. Have a sheltered paddock prepared with adequate feed set up for stock post shearing.

It has been pleasing and exciting to welcome a number of new growers on the journey with New Zealand Cashmere over the past couple of months and I look forward to working with these growers further to capture the full benefits of farming cashmere goats.

Off farm NZ Cashmere is working away behind the scenes to prepare to exhibit at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek in June – we are located in the main pavilion at site PD2, the corner site across from where we were in 2023. So, if you are attending the Fieldays pop in for a yarn and catchup – both Olivia and Andy will be there for some of the event too.

We are also planning and preparing our second National Conference – more details to follow.

It has been great hearing more and more stories from growers about the benefits of integrating farmed cashmere goats into their farming systems – this has mainly been reduced weed burdens in paddocks, less chemical cost and usage controlling weeds and improving pasture for other finishing stock. NZ Cashmere is also working to engage a national farm consultancy company to run a couple of focus farms and undertake work to quantify these benefits on farm. If you would be interested in this work, please get in contact with me.

On a personal note, we have successfully completed the Wake NZ season with my boys claiming the South Island, North Island and National (1st and 2nd) U18 titles and earning selection in the New Zealand Wakeboarding Team to represent New Zealand at the IWWF World Championships later this year. I also managed to win the Social Lads (Dads) National title at the Nationals in April.

Anyone wanting a catch up, can contact me via call, text or email any time.

Cheers

Duncan