About Cashmere Goats

CASHMERE GOATS IN AUSTRALIA

Cashmere goats are not native to Australia. They were introduced with the arrival of the first fleet in the late 18^th century.
The first settlers brought goats to provide meat and milk. In the early 1970’s, herds of feral goats (descendants of animals who had escaped from the early settlers) were found in Western New South Wales.

On closer examination, it was discovered that these goats were growing small amounts of cashmere.

Careful selecting and breeding of these animals has produced a sturdy stock animal with beautiful, long cashmere down, which is today known as the Australian Cashmere goat.

It takes a cashmere goat between four and six years to grow enough cashmere for an average jumper. In Australia, the goats are shorn annually. Their fibre is sorted depending on colour and quantity. Both white and black cashmere goats are grown commercially.

CASHMERE GOATS IN AUSTRALIA
	Cashmere goats are not native to Australia. They were introduced with the arrival of the first fleet in the late 18^th century. The first settlers brought goats to provide meat and milk. In the early 1970’s, herds of feral goats (descendants of animals who had escaped from the early settlers) were found in Western New South Wales. On closer examination, it was discovered that these goats were growing small amounts of cashmere.

Careful selecting and breeding of these animals has produced a sturdy stock animal with beautiful, long cashmere down, which is today known as the Australian Cashmere goat.
It takes a cashmere goat between four and six years to grow enough cashmere for an average jumper. In Australia, the goats are shorn annually. Their fibre is sorted depending on colour and quantity. Both white and black cashmere goats are grown commercially.