According to Deon Saayman, general manager of Mohair South Africa, this is the first time that the R100 average was breached. At the same time an overall sales clearance of 90% was achieved.

“The buoyant mohair market continued its upward trend of the summer season,” says Saayman. “Several factors conspired to drive prices higher. The current fashion trend favouring mohair; the limited quantity on offer for the last sale; and a weaker SA currency all contributed to fierce competition for the stronger portion of the clip.”

The demand for kid mohair improved slightly from the previous sale, with a sales clearance for kids of 70%. Sales concluded after the auction could further improve this percentage.

Saayman confirmed that the highest price of R245 per kg was paid for a bale of 25-micron super style summer kid mohair. “This was despite the fact that certain ‘contract’ lots achieved higher prices, which did push up the average kid market indicator.”

Compared to the previous sale, prices were as follows:

· Kids (summer) up 1%

· Young goats (summer) up 7%

· Fine adults up 6%

· Strong adults up 6%

· Average up 7%

One sale remains for the 2010 summer season on 15 June, which will also be relatively small. Despite this the season should conclude positively for producers.