Shining the light on goat fibre farming

The AgriFutures Goat Fibre Program is excited to announce its first on-farm field day, set to take place on Friday, April 11, 2025, near Violet Town, VIC. This event promises to be a day of discovery and learning for everyone, from industry veterans to newcomers alike.

The field day is part of Future Fibre Farming – the AgriFutures goat fibre extension and industry development program that aims to encourage new producers to the industry and transform the hobbyist niche into a mainstream commercial animal fibre. Led by neXtgen Agri, the project team have been travelling far and wide to build interest at other field days – Goat Fest in TAS, the National Angora Goat Trophy and Sale in NSW and Woolarama in WA and are excited to head to VIC for the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo and the Goat Fibre Field Day in Violet Town.

The field day will kick off at 11am and run until 3pm, offering a packed schedule of activities and presentations. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and participate in panel discussions. The event aims to shed light on the benefits and intricacies of goat fibre farming, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge to all participants.

Georgia Buchholz from neXtgen Agri will start the day with a talk on “The Goat Fibre Gateway,” providing an overview of the industry and its potential. Dr. Mark Ferguson will follow with a session on “Selecting the Right Bucks and Does,” offering tips on choosing the best animals for fibre production. Dr. Berwyn Squire will then discuss common diseases in goats, a crucial topic for maintaining a healthy herd.

Lunch will be provided, giving attendees a chance to mingle and network with fellow goat fibre enthusiasts. During this time, there will also be a shearing demonstration, showcasing the process of harvesting goat fibre. The afternoon sessions will feature Dr. Bruce McGregor and Dr. Susan Robertson, who will cover topics such as integrating angoras and other practical aspects of goat fibre farming.

In addition to the presentations and demonstrations, there will be a range of resources available for attendees. The AgriFutures Goat Fibre Program team will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about their work. There will also be take home materials, including a range of factsheets covering all aspects of goat fibre farming.

The field day is free to attend, but registration is required. Interested individuals are encouraged to register their interest by emailing  as soon as possible.

The AgriFutures Goat Fibre Program is committed to supporting the growth and development of the goat fibre industry in Australia. This field day is just one of the many initiatives they have planned to help farmers improve their practices and achieve greater success. By bringing together experts and enthusiasts from across the industry, the event aims to create a platform for knowledge sharing and innovation.

The team looks forward to welcoming you to this exciting event and helping you discover the potential of goat fibre farming.

For more information about the field day and other upcoming events, visit the Goat Fibre Gateway