Daidoh Awards Celebrate South Africa’s Top Mohair Producers

The annual Daidoh Awards, hosted by Japanese clothing manufacturer Daidoh Limited in partnership with Mohair South Africa (MSA), honoured South African producers achieving the highest average prices for their summer kid mohair clips. The awards recognise excellence in production and highlight the strong collaboration between Japanese textile manufacturers and South African farmers in promoting premium mohair as one of the world’s finest natural fibres.

Anthony Kirsten, chairperson of the Mohair Trust, represented Daidoh President Koichiro Naruse at the ceremony. He emphasized Daidoh’s “Customer First” approach, which has guided the company’s growth and long-term partnership with the South African mohair industry. Kirsten highlighted the brand’s focus on innovation and adapting to evolving market demands, noting that Daidoh has been a loyal partner to South African producers for decades.

The awards celebrated the top five producers for their exceptional summer kid mohair clips, recognising both the farmers and their brokers, who play a crucial role in marketing and exporting mohair to international buyers like Daidoh. The top producers and their brokers were:

• Lloyd Short, Borden Farming, Graaf-Reinet (broker: House of Fibre)
• David Short, David Short Farming, Graaf-Reinet (broker: House of Fibre)
• Paul Webber, PF Webber, Makhanda (broker: House of Fibre)
• Schalk Nel, Stater Nel (Edms), Kleinpoort (broker: House of Fibre)
• Fred Colborne, FEC Farming, Willowmore (broker: OVK)

Lloyd Short, winner of the top award, described the recognition as a career highlight. “I’ve been farming for 27 years, and tonight I was honoured to win the Daidoh award for the best summer kid clip. It’s my first time receiving this award, and I’m super chuffed,” he said. He advised aspiring farmers to focus on herd management, ensuring maiden ewes grow sufficiently before mating to set up a successful enterprise.

Pierre van der Vyver, general manager of House of Fibre and main sponsor of the event, highlighted the importance of collaboration between farmers and the fibre industry. He said the awards reflect shared success, with farmers’ achievements directly supporting the industry’s growth. Van der Vyver also noted the dedication of industry professionals behind the scenes, underscoring the long-term commitment required to maintain South Africa’s reputation as a leading mohair producer.

The Daidoh Awards reinforce the value of quality production and industry partnerships, providing recognition for farmers who excel and supporting continued growth of South Africa’s mohair sector.