|
WITPOORT
Chris van Schalkwyk , farms in the Willowmore district. As 3rd
generation Angora farmer his almost 5 000 goats and Merino sheep
on an 18 000 hectare spread certainly reflects some sound
achievements inherited from Willem van Schalkwyk. With an
average of 8 inches of rain a year he follows in the proud
family tradition of Angora farming dating back to 1949. He says;
“I am keen to establish greater stability in the mohair market
with focus on quality and believe Camdeboo has a vision to
achieve this.”
REDCLIFFE
Mannetjie and Anneke Lötter manage some 3 400 Angora goats on
their 10000
hectare farm. The have been farming with Angoras for
the last 30 years – during which time they also raised four
children. With an average of 10 inches of rain per year, Anneke
proved that fixing windmills is not only a man’s job. As 2nd
generation farmers the couple can justifiably be proud of their
achievements.
MOOREDALE
When father and husband Leon passed away, his wife Marie-Louise
and her sons, Charles, John and Paul set about continuing their
mixed farming operation – and with success too. With a history
dating back to the 1820 Settlers this 5th generation
farming family manage just over 1 000 Angoras on a 6 200 hectare
farm that receives an average of 250 mm of rain per year. They
started farming with Angoras in the late 70s and continue to
strive for the best quality mohair possible.
 
Chrisjan and a welcome
sight...
the possibility of rain
LANGRUG
Langrug at the foot of Witteberge has a rich history dating back
to the mid- 1850s and Chrisjan van Schalkwyk has a view of the
Camdeboo Mountains on the distant plains some 80 km away. His
son Morné will soon assist in managing some 10 000 hectare of
land and more than 1 500 Angoras. The average rainfall in the
area is about 200mm per year.
BEERVLEI
It has been said that long ago there were indeed bears close to
the Beervlei Dam – hence the farm name Beervlei – however, it
could never be confirmed. Stories dating back to the 1700s
originate in this area. Andries Greeff and his wife Ansie
continue the 75-year tradition of Angora farming (on some 8 000
hectares and with 2 700 goats) although Johannes Greeff started
the family farm in 1873. Andries and Ansie have two sons and a
daughter and on average they see the Beervlei Dam fill up only
once every 12 years. Andries is keen to see disciplined mohair
promotion and price stability in the market.
(Die
brak van Brakfontein)
BRAKFONTEIN
Johan (JS) Botha and his
wife Linette maintain rain records dating back to 1913 and there
is clear evidence of 10-year cycles. Angora farming in this
family started during the 1850s. On average they get 200mm of
rain a year. With some 1 800 Angoras and 5 800 hectare of land
every drop of water is important. Johan believes that there is
meaningful added value in quality mohair…” it’s not just another
fibre” he says.
VLEIKUIL
Vleikuil has been in the Snijman family since 1873 and Angora
have been a very substantial part of this family business ever
since. In 1927 an extreme winter wiped out the entire flock.
Without its protective (right after shearing) fleece the Angora
is extremely susceptible to cold and wet conditions. Barries
followed in his father’s footsteps when, in 1994 he became the
next generation to take over the reigns. Quality is an
important aspect he maintains, and the secret to achieving that
is by tirelessly selecting the best animals for breeding
purposes. This commitment is recognised by Miyuki-Keori and
Diadoh. The 3200 Angoras he tends generate the majority of the
farm’s revenues. Supported by his wife, Mauritzia they are
raising 2 beautiful children that will hopefully, one day,
become the umpteenth generation to farm this land. As the
youngest board member (of Camdeboo), Barries is a breath of
fresh air in the South African Mohair industry.
SLAGTERSKUIL
In the Willowmore district, George and Elsanne Stegmann, who
have two sons, farm on Slagterskuil – a 7 000 hectare mixed farm
(including Merino sheep) with some 1000 Angoras. With an average
rainfall of 6,5 inches per year, a severe drought forced George
out of Angora farming during the early 90s. He restarted his
Angora operation a few years ago and with great success as he
was rewarded with a Flock Championship award. George is a
committed Camdeboo member. “I want to be proud of my mohair and
am convinced that Camdeboo will maintain exclusive quality,” he
says.
KRUIDFONTEIN
In the Willowmore region, Johannes Stegmann and wife, Hermé are
4th generation farmers and one of the oldest family’s
farming in the Willowmore district. The 9 000 hectare mixed
farming operation saw the first Angora during the 60s - towards
the end of 2002 there were some 1 000 goats. The average
rainfall in the area is 6,5 inches. Johannes and Hermé have two
children – a son and a daughter.
RUST EN VREDE
In the Willowmore region, Leon and Elmarie Wentzel manage some 1
400 Angora goats on their 10 000 hectare farm ‘Rest and Peace’
(when translated). Leon – a regular producer of outstanding
quality mohair - says Camdeboo is approaching the market in a
focused and disciplined manner and he is keen to see stability
in the mohair market as a whole. Leon and Elmarie have two
children – a son and daughter.
|
