China is the single biggest buyer of South African wool, importing around 70% to 80% of the country’s wool every year. And while the lifting of a ban on SA wool imports is good news, local farmers still have a few things to worry about, says Sifiso Ntombela.
The new production and export season for wool is upon on us and there is a mixed bag of jubilation and skepticism amongst wool farmers and traders. A few concerns are still lingering.
Almost every season this time of the year, wool farmers - in particular communal farmers - worry about the availability of sheep shearers.