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Artificial intelligence (AI), digital traceability systems, data-driven decision-making, and new approaches to skills development – these aspects can all play a major role in the future of South Africa’s wool industry, delegates heard during a Boerepraatjies discussion at the Karoo Winter Wool Festival in Middelburg, Eastern Cape.
The session, ‘Artificial intelligence and smart technology in wool farming’, was moderated by Dan Kriek, general manager of the National Wool Growers’ Association (NWGA). The panel featured Johann Coetzee of OVK, Dr Glen Taylor, senior director: Research and Development at the University of the Free State, Prof JW Swanepoel, director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture at the University of the Free State, Frikkie Fouché, executive manager: Skills Planning and Research at AgriSETA, and Deon Saayman, CEO of Cape Wools SA.
READ MORE: Session one of the NWGA’s Boerepraatjies.
AI expands the farmer’s toolkit
Introducing the topic, Dr Taylor described AI as the latest in a series of disruptive technologies that have transformed industries over time. “I think AI is not just about automating work. I think it is more about augmenting human intelligence,” he said.
Dr Taylor explained that AI systems can process large volumes of information, identify trends, and support decision-making in ways that were not previously possible. In agriculture, these capabilities can help producers with disease prediction, climate analysis, livestock monitoring, and resource management. “My prediction is that in the next five years, agriculture is going to see a radical change, more than what I’ve seen in the last 50 years,” he said.
Technology must solve practical problems
Fouché shared insights from ongoing research into technology adoption and future skills requirements within the wool industry.
“Technology alone is not a solution; it must solve an actual problem,” he said. According to Fouché, farmers have indicated that future agricultural workers would need stronger data and technology skills, while training programmes will need to become more accessible, practical, and relevant to producers’ needs.
He added that many future technology-linked jobs are likely to emerge outside the farm gate, through specialist service providers supporting farmers and agricultural businesses.
Traceability is becoming a market requirement
Saayman outlined how Cape Wools SA has invested in digital traceability systems aimed at strengthening South Africa’s position in international wool markets. The systems use RFID technology, digital records, and internationally recognised identification standards to track wool throughout the value chain.
According to Saayman, higher consumer and retailer demand for transparency and sustainability is making traceability an increasingly important component of global trade. “We should go out and tell our story and what we do,” he said, noting that South Africa is well positioned in terms of traceability and sustainability initiatives.
Applying technology in communal farming areas
Prof Swanepoel highlighted how technology could help address challenges in communal wool-producing regions. Through partnerships involving the University of the Free State, NWGA, AgriSETA, and other stakeholders, researchers are exploring the use of geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, drones, and smartphone-based data collection tools to improve livestock management and environmental monitoring.
The initiative also aims to professionalise herding through formal training programmes, improved record-keeping, and better livestock management practices.
Collaboration is essential for success
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of collaboration between producers, researchers, educational institutions, commodity organisations, and government.
Responding to questions from the audience, panellists stressed that technology adoption would only succeed if it delivered measurable benefits and addressed real challenges faced by farmers. “We do not operate in a vacuum,” Saayman said, emphasising the importance of partnerships across the agricultural value chain.
While the technologies discussed ranged from artificial intelligence and digital traceability to satellite monitoring and advanced data analysis, speakers agreed that practical farming knowledge and skilled people would remain central to the future success of the wool industry. – Nikilene Steenkamp, Plaas Media.
