With over 40% of Mongolia’s population engaged in nomadic herding for subsistence, the traditional knowledge Mongolian nomadic cashmere herders possess is vital to their livelihood and that of the country’s economy. Passed down from generation to generation, this knowledge encompasses intimate awareness of the local climate and environment, goat herding practices, and cashmere extraction techniques. Herders know that the best cashmere comes from harsh seasonal environmental conditions. If it is too warm, the herd will not produce fine cashmere. If it is too cold, the herd’s survival is put at risk. Moreover, it must be windy, because this contributes further to goats producing a harsh, coarse layer of hair above the soft and fine cashmere layer. Thus nomadic cashmere herders must know the exact areas that have the right environmental conditions for their goats to produce fine Mongolian cashmere.