Apr 10, 2026
Autumn is certainly a game of two halves for deer farmers with velvet operations largely under control, apart from keeping stags fed, watered and wrecking as little infrastructure as possible. Conversely breeding programmes and weaning have been in full swing with long days in the deer shed for many.
After the disappointment of this year’s velvet season, it is heartening to see the steady improvement in the venison prices now flowing through to weaner pricing, rewarding those who have kept the faith in venison focused breeding operations. As we have seen in the sheep and beef sector this has resulted in a realignment of how much extra capital is required by finishers to secure trading stock. In some instances, this has caused some difficulty establishing an agreed price, although well grown and presented animals are reported to be selling well. The value of longer-term business relationships has also been highlighted as a positive in this environment, particularly with the reduction in breeding hinds in recent times.
As the velvet sales draw to a close, the preparation for the season ahead begins, both on and off farm. The NZDFA Executive Committee has canvassed the branches for the leading issues velvet farmers would like addressed which has been provided to our three representatives, who are Evan Potter, Mark Tapley and Bruce Patterson. At this stage an agreed meeting date has not been established, but the sooner all parties can engage and work though the concerns raised so everyone is on the same page, the better. Any further concerns you may have please share them either through your branch chairs or alternatively contact our representatives directly.
Wild deer continue to be flagged as an issue given the massive growth in numbers around the country. Growing numbers of these are animals are being sent to processors as either feral (via helicopter operations) or increasingly in the category of Feral Now Farmed (FNF), which need to be on farm for a minimum of 90 days. Each of these categories supply distinctly different markets to our premium farmed venison, so as farmers please be clear and transparent about each line of animals you are sending and importantly for animals of unknown origins tick the other feeds box on your ASD.
The Executive Committee has also been working with DINZ to ensure more industry statistical data is available to farmers. This is intended to support stocking policies and financial planning decisions on farm. There is a raft of data available that can be collated, so feedback on what has been provided to date or would be of value ahead to keep deer farmers up to date and informed is valuable. Events such as what has unfolded in the Middle East is just another example of the increased volatility we are now facing as farmers in recent times, so ensuring we have information available that assists driving value for money spent, both on farm and within the deer industry, is essential. The old adage of “control what you can control” certainly ringing true in this current environment.
Finally, I would encourage you all the engage and take part in upcoming elections for the NZDFA Executive Committee. Strong farmer representation has never been more important and has a significant bearing of the direction our industry takes and voting is that starting point. I will be stepping down following this year’s conference and would like to wish the successful candidates well in their governance endeavours representing deer farmers ahead.
Mark McCoard
NZDFA Chair
