First published in 1947 as the mouthpiece for the then Wool Board, Wolboer/Wool Farmer today is a bilingual digital magazine, with a limited print run, published bimonthly on behalf of the National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA). It has become the trusted voice for South Africa’s wool farmers. With a voluntary membership of more than 4 000 commercial producers and around 800 communal shearing sheds, representing more than 15 000 individual wool growers, the NWGA represents the commercial and communal wool sheep farmers in South Africa. These members produce more than 80% of the national wool clip. Their focus is on the wool farmer, small or big, and his/her interests. Consequently, the voice of the wool farmer is heard on numerous agricultural boards, unions and committees within organised agriculture, ensuring representation and active participation in the nation’s agricultural community. The magazine aims to keep wool growers informed of everything they need to know – from sustainability standards, production practices and efficacy, consumer and market trends, global trade, and the latest research – to produce world-class wool for export. Content is developed across the value chain, from fleece to fashion. By liaising with the IWTO, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), the Campaign for Wool and The Woolmark Company, the editorial team keeps the South African wool farmer’s fingers on the pulse of the global wool trade, providing competitive advantage, and continually increasing digital engagement through vibrant, relevant content.

Fast Facts

Format:

ABC distribution figure:

Digital edition:

Frequency:

Average print run:

LSM target audience:

Bimonthly

1 000

9–10

Readers Feedback

0

%

of readers feel Wolboer/Wool Farmer is a “reliable and complete source of relevant news and practical information”.

0

%

Readers read Wolboer/Wool Farmer more frequently than any other agricultural magazine they read.

0

%

Approximately 70% of readers list the printed magazine as a major source of their information about the industry.

0

%

indicated they have read the 2021 digital editions.

Magazines

Please email henko@agriconnect.co.za for older editions.

Themes 2023

Themes are predetermined and fixed, but bulleted sub-themes may change, subject to editorial content requirements and industry developments

NO 1. FEBRUARY/MARCH

NEW MARKETS

Due to 2022’s ban on wool exports to China, following the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, South African wool producers have had to look elsewhere for profits. We review the current state of the renewed trade relations with China, and burgeoning markets in the Middle East and Europe, as well as other opportunities and innovations in the new year. Article topics could include:

  • China trade after the 2022 ban, plus, new markets in Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere.
  • What are the alternatives to an FMD-free country? (Dr Stuart Varrie: Cape Wools SA).
  • South Africa’s world-class wool (infrastructure, production advisory, the Sustainable Cape Wools Standard and much more).
  • Innovation in the industry (new products and services).

NO 2. APRIL/MAY

FEED, VELD, AND TECH

Science and technology is everywhere in agriculture. This is the edition to show producers that your brand or service is at the cutting edge of what the industry needs. Article topics could include:

  • Climate adaptation (through technology and smart interventions).
  • Feed and veld: A delicate balance.
  • Agtech + wool farming.

NO 3. JUNE/JULY

EXPANSION!

Expanding an enterprise in an uncertain world is no small feat. That is why this edition focuses on helping producers expand despite the challenges of politics, the economy, load shedding, climate change, and FMD. Article topics could include:

  • Expanding in the era of uncertainty and biosecurity.
  • The livestock identification and traceability system and wool sheep.
  • Building better flocks in 2023.
  • Be smart about auctions, rams, and animal purchases.

NO 4. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

SHEAR WILL

This edition focuses on preparing for the all-important shearing season. Article topics could include:

  • Shearing preparations: Sheep health, tools, and tips.
  • Political will: Organised agriculture and the wool industry.
  • Farming, shearing, and predation management challenges in the communal sphere.

NO 5. OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

LAMBS AND RAMS

Ewes get a lot of attention – as mommies should – but in this edition we also focus on the strong (top quality rams) and the vulnerable (newborn lambs). Article topics could include:

  • Reproduction: ewes, lambs, and weaning.
  • The right ram genetics.
  • Lamb and ram nutrition.

NO 6. DECEMBER/JANUARY

SUSTAINABLY CHIC

With its impeccable sustainability credentials, wool is getting ever-more chic. We focus on how wool is becoming more fashionable – and how producers can stay ahead of the curve. Article topics could include:

  • World-class local sustainability (for maximum profit).
  • Smart supplementation for sheep – to grow stylish wool.
  • Wool marketing and consumer trends.

Deadlines 2023

WOLBOER/WOOL FARMER

Feb

Apr

Jun

Aug

Oct

Dec

VOLUME 11 – NUMBER

1

2

3

4

5

6

Advertorials and supplements

08-Feb

05-Apr

07-Jun

09-Aug

04-Oct

22-Nov

Advertisement bookings and complete artwork – ad placements

15-Feb

12-Apr

14-Jun

16-Aug

11-Oct

29-Nov

To print

22-Feb

19-Apr

21-Jun

23-Aug

18-Oct

06-Dec

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