Duncan NZ has supplied venison to the United States since Andy Duncan founded the company in 1990, with foodservice long forming the backbone of the business. Restaurants were the natural home for venison, and that market remains vital today, however COVID-era restaurant closures exposed the risks of relying too heavily on a single channel.

In a significant and welcome shift for the deer industry, the Government confirmed in late January that it will not proceed with a levy or pricing system for on‑farm biogenic methane emissions. This issue has been a long‑standing concern for deer farmers, creating uncertainty and risk for farm businesses. The amended plan signals a move away from punitive regulation and toward practical, farmer‑led and market‑driven solutions — an outcome the industry has long advocated strongly for.

Artificial intelligence was the dominant technology discussed over the two days at the recent Meat Innovation Workshop in Palmerston North. With AI technology advancing rapidly, the workshop provided a fascinating insight into areas being targeted for productivity improvement and innovation. While much of the low-hanging fruit is found in counting, food safety and worker hygiene, surveillance, there were also examples of major innovation. 

We are pleased to release two publications, with different but complementary purposes. The March 2026 State of the Industry report is DINZ’s inaugural snapshot of where the New Zealand deer industry sits right now. It is the first of two State of the Industry reports planned for 2026, with a second release tentatively scheduled for August/September. In a sector where conditions, markets and costs can shift quickly, this report is designed to provide a timely, current‑state view of the industry.

Why science and research matter now more than ever | Seeka | Millie Morgan | Promising new test to detect internal parasites | Stag kill 2025 | Special report: International Deer Biology Conference | Deer 2 Succeed | On Farm: Embracing and creating change | Farm Tech: Bidr booming | Knowing John Vincent Barber | The next chapter for Tikana | Feeding to maximise velvet antler production | Hill-country fencing options to reduce CSA run-off | Venison flatbread pizzas