Motete Wool and Mohair Growers Association Celebrates Strong 2025/26 Season Performance Boosted by Strategic Agricultural Support

On Saturday, 16 May 2026, the Motete Wool and Mohair Growers Association marked a major milestone with a celebration of its outstanding performance in the sale of wool and mohair for the 2025/26 season. The event highlighted not only strong market results but also the long term impact of targeted agricultural support and collaboration between the private sector, government, and rural farming communities. Farmers gathered to reflect on a season defined by improved wool quality, better breeding practices, and stronger market competitiveness. The celebration also served as recognition of how strategic investment in livestock genetics can directly improve rural incomes. For many households in the Motete region, the achievements represent real progress in livelihoods and economic stability.

A key driver of this success can be traced back to 2022, when Storm Mountain Diamonds supported local farmers through its Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The company donated 30 improved rams to the association with the aim of strengthening breeding standards across the community. The intervention was designed to improve wool quality, increase productivity, and help farmers achieve higher prices in competitive wool markets. Better genetics meant stronger sheep, improved fleece quality, and more consistent output across farming households. The long term objective was clear, to raise rural incomes by improving the quality of agricultural production at its source.

Over the years, farmers within the association adopted and expanded the use of the improved rams, carefully integrating them into their breeding cycles. By the 2025/26 shearing season, the results of this investment became clearly visible in both quality and market performance. The association achieved exceptional results, securing first place in the first badge sold, second place in both the second and third badges, and third place in the fourth badge. It also managed to secure four badges in total, the highest number recorded in the district during the season. These achievements were further strengthened by strong performance in the AH, AAH, BH, and CH wool classes, reflecting a significant improvement in grading and quality standards.

Speaking during the celebration event, the Chairman of the Wool and Mohair Association of Lesotho, Mr. Mokonyana Thinyane, praised farmers for their commitment and discipline throughout the production cycle. He emphasized that their hard work played a central role in achieving the strong market results recorded during the season. He also acknowledged the contribution of Storm Mountain Diamonds, noting that private sector investment continues to play an important role in strengthening rural agricultural systems. According to him, the wool and mohair industry remains one of the most reliable sources of income for rural households in Lesotho. He further highlighted that improvements in production quality directly translate into better market performance and long term economic resilience for farmers.

The Chairman of the Motete Wool and Mohair Growers Association, Mr. Tumahole Lerafa, also expressed appreciation for the ongoing support provided by various stakeholders. He thanked Storm Mountain Diamonds for the donation of improved rams and the Ministry of Agriculture for its continued technical guidance and supervision. He further commended farmers for maintaining proper care and management of the livestock, which ensured the success of the breeding programme. Mr. Lerafa congratulated members on their achievements and encouraged them to maintain high standards in future production cycles. He stressed that consistency and commitment remain key factors in sustaining growth within the wool and mohair sector.

During the same ceremony, the association took another important step toward inclusivity and shared growth by distributing additional rams to members who had not benefited from the initial 2022 donation. These rams were purchased using proceeds generated from wool sheared by the originally donated animals, creating a self sustaining cycle of reinvestment within the community. This approach ensured that the benefits of the programme continued to expand beyond the initial group of recipients. The association also confirmed its commitment to continuing this process until every member has access to improved breeding stock. This model demonstrates how community based agricultural programmes can grow through reinvestment and shared responsibility.

In addition to livestock support, Storm Mountain Diamonds further strengthened its contribution during the event by donating 50 feed troughs and sheep pellets to the association. These inputs are expected to improve feeding practices and enhance animal health, especially during periods of limited grazing availability. Improved feeding infrastructure plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent wool quality and supporting overall livestock productivity. The donation also reflects a broader approach to agricultural support that goes beyond genetics to include nutrition and farm management resources. Such combined interventions help farmers achieve more stable and predictable production outcomes.

The success of the Motete Wool and Mohair Growers Association highlights the importance of long term partnerships in driving rural development. When farmers, government institutions, and private sector partners work together, the results can significantly improve agricultural performance and community wellbeing. The 2025/26 season stands as evidence that targeted investment in livestock improvement can produce measurable economic benefits within a relatively short period. It also shows how knowledge transfer, technical support, and access to quality inputs can transform traditional farming systems into more competitive and sustainable enterprises. These gains contribute directly to poverty reduction and rural economic growth.

The achievements recorded by the association also reinforce the wider importance of the wool and mohair industry in Lesotho’s agricultural economy. As one of the country’s key export sectors, it provides consistent income for thousands of rural households. Improvements in quality and grading systems strengthen Lesotho’s position in international wool markets, increasing demand and market competitiveness. The success of the Motete farmers demonstrates how local initiatives can contribute to national economic development when properly supported. It also highlights the potential for other farming communities to adopt similar models of collaboration and improvement.

The 2025/26 season celebration by the Motete Wool and Mohair Growers Association represents more than just strong sales results. It reflects years of investment, training, and commitment from farmers and partners working toward a shared goal of agricultural improvement. From improved breeding practices to better market performance, the impact of the initiative is visible across multiple levels of production. The continued involvement of Storm Mountain Diamonds and the Ministry of Agriculture has played a key role in shaping these outcomes. As the association continues to expand its programmes and ensure broader access to improved resources, it sets a strong example of how sustainable agricultural development can transform rural livelihoods in Lesotho.