Angora goats produce one of the most valuable natural fibers in the world - mohair. This lustrous, durable fiber has been prized for centuries in the textile industry, and raising Angora goats for mohair production can be a rewarding and profitable venture for small-scale farmers and homesteaders alike. Whether you are new to fiber goats or looking to refine your technique, understanding how to properly shear your Angora goats is essential for maximizing fiber quality and keeping your animals healthy. In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know about harvesting mohair, from timing and equipment to step-by-step shearing techniques and post-shearing care.

Understanding Mohair and Its Value

Mohair is a luxury fiber known for its exceptional luster, softness, and strength. Unlike sheep wool, mohair fibers are smooth and have very little scale structure, which gives them a distinctive silky sheen and makes them resistant to felting. The fiber is also highly elastic, takes dye beautifully, and is naturally flame-resistant - all qualities that make it sought after for high-end textiles, knitting yarns, and upholstery.

The global mohair market remains strong, with the United States and South Africa being the two largest producers. Key factors that influence mohair pricing include:

• Fiber diameter - Kid mohair (from goats under 18 months) is the finest and most valuable, often fetching premium prices.
• Cleanliness and uniformity - Clean, well-sorted clips command higher prices at market.
• Staple length - Ideally between 4 and 6 inches per shearing, depending on the growth period.
• Kemp content - Kemp fibers are coarse, chalky white hairs that reduce the quality and value of a clip. Low-kemp fleeces are significantly more desirable.

Current market prices for raw mohair vary by grade, but kid mohair can sell for $8 to $15 per pound or more, while adult mohair typically ranges from $4 to $8 per pound. If you are considering Angora goats as part of a diversified operation, our guide on how to start goat farming business covers the broader financial and logistical considerations.

When to Shear Angora Goats

Angora goats must be shorn twice a year, typically in the spring (February to April) and fall (August to October), depending on your climate and geographic location. The fiber grows roughly one inch per month, so a six-month growth cycle produces the ideal staple length of 4 to 6 inches.

Timing your shearing correctly is critical for the health of your goats:

• Spring shearing should be done before hot weather arrives. Angora goats carry heavy fleeces that can cause dangerous overheating. If you wait too long, review our tips on how to prevent heat stress in goats for emergency measures.
• Fall shearing needs to leave enough time for at least 2 to 3 inches of regrowth before the coldest winter months. Shearing too late in the fall exposes goats to hypothermia risk. Our article on preparing goats for winter offers detailed guidance on cold-weather readiness.
• Avoid shearing in wet or extremely cold weather. Freshly shorn goats are highly vulnerable to wind chill and cold rain. Plan for at least 5 to 7 days of mild, dry weather following your shearing date.
• Monitor the weather forecast carefully before scheduling. If a cold snap is predicted, postpone shearing and have shelter and supplemental feed ready.

Equipment Needed for Shearing

Having the right equipment makes the shearing process faster, safer, and less stressful for both you and your goats. Here is what you will need:

• Electric shearing handpiece or clippers - A professional-grade shearing handpiece (such as those made by Oster, Lister, or Heiniger) is strongly recommended. Standard livestock clippers can work for small herds but are slower and less precise.
• Shearing combs and cutters - Keep multiple sets sharp and ready. Dull blades pull the fiber and cause discomfort.
• Sharpening equipment - A grinding disc or sharpening stone to maintain blade edges during a long shearing session.
• Shearing mat or clean plywood sheet - Provides a clean, non-slip surface that keeps the fleece free of debris.
• Burlap sacks or large mesh bags - For collecting and storing shorn fleece.
• Hoof trimmers - Shearing day is an excellent opportunity to also trim goat hooves, since you already have each animal restrained.
• Antiseptic spray or wound powder - For treating any small nicks that may occur during shearing.
• Marking paint or ear tags - Useful for keeping track of which animals have been shorn in larger herds.

Preparing Your Goats for Shearing

Proper preparation ensures a cleaner clip and a smoother shearing experience:

• Keep goats dry for at least 24 hours before shearing. Wet mohair is extremely difficult to cut cleanly and will mold in storage. Bring your goats into a covered area the night before if rain is expected.
• Withhold feed for 8 to 12 hours before shearing. A goat with a full rumen is uncomfortable when positioned for shearing and is more likely to struggle or urinate on the fleece.
• Separate your herd into groups. Shear kids first (their fleece is most valuable and you want to avoid contamination), then yearlings, then adults. Keep bucks separate, as their fleece often has a stronger odor and coarser fibers.
• Clean the shearing area thoroughly. Sweep or blow out any hay, straw, or manure. Vegetable matter contamination is one of the most common reasons mohair clips are downgraded at market.
• Check each goat for health issues. Look for signs of external parasites, skin infections, or other problems before shearing. Identifying issues early helps prevent the spread of common goat diseases through your herd.

Shearing Techniques Step by Step

Restraining the Goat

Proper restraint is essential for a safe and efficient shearing. Unlike sheep, Angora goats are typically shorn while standing rather than sitting. The most common methods include:

• Tying to a standup or milking stand - This is the easiest method for beginners. Secure the goat's head in the stanchion and use a belly strap if available.
• Having a helper hold the goat - One person holds the goat steady by the horns or collar while the shearer works. This method requires a calm, experienced handler.
• Side restraint on a clean surface - For smaller goats or kids, you can lay the goat on its side on a shearing mat. Hold the legs gently but firmly.

Whichever method you use, stay calm and move deliberately. Angora goats are generally docile, but they will react to sudden movements or loud noises. Speak softly and handle them gently to minimize stress.

The Shearing Process

Follow this general order for the most efficient workflow:

1. Start along the backbone. Make your first pass with the shearing handpiece down the center of the back, from the shoulders toward the tail. Use long, smooth strokes and keep the comb flat against the skin.
2. Work down one side. After opening along the spine, shear down the ribs on one side in parallel, overlapping strokes. Let the fleece fall away in a single sheet if possible.
3. Repeat on the other side. Reposition yourself or the goat and shear the opposite side using the same technique.
4. Shear the shoulders and neck. These areas require shorter, more careful strokes due to the skin folds and contours. Pull the skin taut with your free hand to avoid nicking.
5. Shear the belly and legs last. Belly wool is typically shorter and lower quality. Keep it separate from the main fleece for sorting later.
6. Trim around the tail and rear end. This area is often soiled and should be kept separate from the premium fleece.

Aim to cut close to the skin in a single pass. Second cuts - short snippets created by going over the same area twice - reduce fiber length and lower the clip's value.

Handling Different Fleece Areas

Not all parts of an Angora goat's fleece are equal in quality:

• Saddle and side fleece - This is the premium fiber. It is the longest, finest, and most uniform. Handle it carefully and keep it clean.
• Neck and shoulder fleece - Slightly shorter and sometimes coarser, but still valuable. It can be combined with the saddle fleece if the quality is similar.
• Belly and leg fleece - Shorter, often matted or stained. Sort this separately. It has lower market value but can still be used for blending or craft projects.
• Britch (rear leg) fleece - Typically the coarsest fiber on the goat. Keep it separate and grade it accordingly.

After Shearing Care

Freshly shorn Angora goats are extremely vulnerable to cold stress and hypothermia, especially kids and older animals. Take these precautions:

• Provide shelter immediately after shearing. Even in mild weather, wind chill on bare skin can be dangerous. Keep shorn goats in a barn or covered pen for at least the first 48 to 72 hours.
• Increase feed rations. Shorn goats need additional calories to maintain body temperature. Offer high-quality hay and a grain supplement for the first two weeks after shearing.
• Monitor for shivering and huddling. These are signs of cold stress. If temperatures drop unexpectedly, use goat coats or blankets and provide deep bedding.
• Treat any nicks or cuts immediately. Apply antiseptic spray or wound powder to any small cuts from the shearing blades. Watch for signs of infection over the following week, including swelling, heat, or discharge.
• Watch for sunburn. Freshly shorn goats, especially those with light skin, can sunburn in strong sun. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day for the first week after shearing.

Processing and Selling Mohair

Once you have shorn your goats, proper handling of the fleece is essential to maximize its value:

• Skirt the fleece on a skirting table. Remove any stained, matted, or heavily contaminated edges. Pick out vegetable matter, second cuts, and kemp by hand.
• Sort by grade. Separate kid mohair from yearling and adult fleeces. Within each age group, sort by fineness, length, and cleanliness. Consistent, well-sorted lots command the best prices.
• Store in breathable bags. Use burlap or woven polypropylene sacks - never plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mold growth. Label each bag with the grade, weight, and shearing date.
• Find your buyers. Options for selling mohair include:
  • Mohair pools and cooperatives - Organizations like the Mohair Council of America can connect you with pooled marketing programs.
  • Direct sales to hand spinners and fiber artists - This niche market often pays premium prices for well-prepared, small-lot mohair, especially kid mohair.
  • Online fiber marketplaces - Platforms like Etsy and specialty fiber websites allow you to reach buyers directly.
  • Wool and mohair warehouses - These buyers purchase in bulk and offer competitive pricing for larger clips.

Common Shearing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced shearers can fall into bad habits. Watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Shearing wet goats. This cannot be overstated - wet fiber clogs blades, creates an uneven cut, and molds in storage. Always shear dry goats.
• Using dull blades. Dull combs and cutters pull the fiber instead of cutting it cleanly, causing pain and skin irritation. Sharpen or replace blades frequently during a session.
• Making second cuts. Going over the same area twice creates short fiber snippets that lower the clip's overall quality and value. Practice steady, confident single passes.
• Shearing too close in cold weather. Leaving a very short stubble in fall increases hypothermia risk. Adjust your comb height to leave a slightly longer cut if cold weather is imminent.
• Failing to sort the fleece. Mixing belly wool, britch fiber, and premium saddle fleece together drags down the entire clip's grade. Take the time to sort and skirt properly.
• Neglecting post-shearing care. The most dangerous period for an Angora goat is the first 72 hours after shearing. Plan ahead for shelter, nutrition, and weather monitoring.
• Skipping regular shearing schedules. Missing a shearing leads to excessively long fiber that mats, felts on the goat, and loses its market value. Stick to the twice-yearly schedule without exception.

Shearing Angora goats is a skill that improves with practice. Your first few sessions may feel slow and awkward, but with the right equipment, preparation, and technique, you will develop a rhythm that keeps your goats comfortable and your mohair clip in top condition. The reward is a beautiful, valuable fiber and a healthy, thriving herd.