LIKE the nation's sheep flock, mohair production is also rapidly falling in New Zealand.
But, despite the production volume challenges, many in the industry remain resolute about its future.
Gary Boyle is one goat breeder bucking the trend. Mr Boyle farms at Central Hawkes Bay, on NZ's North Island.
Despite the fall in mohair production in NZ, Mr Boyle's own Angora herd is in an expansion phase. "I think (the future) is extremely bright. Mohair is one of the most luxurious, magical, natural fibres in the world," Mr Boyle said.
Mr Boyle was among a delegation of 24 NZ Angora breeders who attended Mohair Australia's Australasian Angora Goat and Mohair show and sale at Horsham last week.
Mr Boyle runs beef cattle, sheep and goats, but has recently cut his Romney sheep flock from 3800 to 400.
He said many sheep and cattle producers were reluctant to stock goats, because of fears the animals would escape and turn feral.
At one stage authorities were even considering making goat breeding a restricted practice in NZ, until producers argued successfully against it.
Mr Boyle believes many livestock producers should add goats to the mix, to help control thistles and other weeds and also to promote clover growth.
"They (goats) are the most environmentally friendly animals (producers) have got available to them," Mr Boyle said.
His 1800 South African-blood Angora goats produce about 40 bales of mohair annually, which are exported to South Africa.
Judges Dawn Pirani and Janet Brierley, who also travelled from NZ to last week's show, said one of the major challenges for the industry was attracting younger breeders.
