The Sydney Royal School Angora Wether Competition is a six month educational program that provides students with hands on experience in the care, management and husbandry of angora goats. Open to NSW schools with suitable facilities to house and manage goats, participating schools work with a team of three goats, developing practical skills in animal welfare, nutrition, fleece production and livestock management while gaining an understanding of the Australian mohair industry and the wider primary industries sector. Through the program, students explore the connections between animal production, fibre production, agricultural science, sustainability and agribusiness before showcasing their achievements at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. For schools without existing angora goats, the RAS can assist in sourcing loan animals, making the competition accessible to a broader range of students and schools.
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Find more info on Teacher's Manual
Competition Components
The competition is judged by industry experts and consists of four components:
Group of Three
A team of three angora wethers is judged on:
- Uniformity
- Fleece quality
- Body condition
- Maturity
- General conformation
- Temperament
Production Class
Goats are assessed on their commercial production traits, including:
- Mohair quality
- Fibre diameter
- Fibre length and strength
- Yield
- Body condition and maturity
All goats are shorn, with fleeces weighed and valued according to current market prices.
Project Presentation
Students deliver a 4–5 minute presentation outlining:
- How the goats were raised and prepared
- Animal husbandry practices used
- Trial data collected
- Understanding of the Australian angora and mohair industry
Stockmen Competition
Schools are assessed throughout the competition on:
- Grooming and presentation of goats
- Pen cleanliness and maintenance
- Efficient use of bedding
- Student knowledge and engagement
- Overall professionalism and promotion of the industry
