The Impact of Foot-and-Mouth Disease on the Leather Industry

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is more than an agricultural headline — it ripples through the leather supply chain that makers like Plaasjaap rely on.

When outbreaks restrict livestock movement and hide exports, availability of quality full-grain leather can tighten. That means longer lead times, careful sourcing, and an even sharper focus on using every hide well.

At our White River workshop we prioritise durable full-grain leather and honest finishes. Understanding supply-chain pressure helps customers appreciate why handmade pieces cost what they do — and why longevity matters more than fast fashion.

If you are investing in leather goods in Mpumalanga, choose makers who source carefully, sew for strength, and repair rather than replace.