NWGA is a national commodity structure that represents the interest and needs of commercial, emerging and communal wool farmers in South Africa. All wool producers are therefore encouraged to join its ranks.
The industry as a whole has about 15 million sheep of which 4 million are in the hands of communal farmers. Production averages around 45 million kilograms per year, with the emerging sector accounting for roughly 13% of the clip. More than 90% of the wool is exported, primarily to China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Egypt and Bulgaria.
The industry employs about 35 000 workers and 4 000 sheep shearers and wool handlers.
In 2020, the National Wool Growers' Association of SA represented more than 80% of the national clip, with 50% of its members being black, emerging or communal farmers. Roughly 4 500 of its members are commercial and 20 000 are communal farmers.
Farmers have to fill in an application to join the association. A uniform membership fee of 0,25% of realisation value of their wool clip is charged, with a minimum of R250.
Farmers and other industry role-players are kept abreast of the latest technological developments as well as production and market trends through various platforms, including the NWGA website, provincial farmer meetings, an annual general meeting, newsletters and the industry’s biannual magazine, Wool Farmer, which first appeared in August 1947.
Sheep farming is done all over South Africa, but is traditionally concentrated in the more arid regions of the country. Although the income ...