Oct 10, 2025
Here in the hills of Taihape we are still waiting for spring to arrive. Wet soil conditions combined with cool cloudy days have meant feed levels are certainly not getting ahead of demand. With fine days at a premium, keeping ahead of the workload has certainly been a challenge.
While spring may be cooler for many, the discussions surrounding the velvet season ahead have been far from that. The recent grading changes and lack of pricing details attached at this stage has created some apprehension amongst farmers. Three NZDFA branches either have or are about to run velvet grading meetings to help ensure their farmers have the best information available to assist with timing of cutting to meet the new grading criteria. I want to thank the branches and the buyers who are supporting these events and working with farmers in their areas to better understand the changes for the season ahead. These are the take home messages we have at hand in an attempt to keep us all on the same page:
- There are no confirmed prices at this point.
- Recent grading changes are an attempt to reflect a preference from the market for early cut and rounded top velvet. This has been a growing trend over the past two to three seasons.
- The pricing differential between the new and existing grades is currently unknown.
- Stay informed and connected with your trusted buyers and other farmers. There are some buyers who thrive in an environment of early season price uncertainty. Don’t let your bottom line be the casualty from a lack of up-to-date information.
- There has always been variation in buyer preferences. Ensure what you are producing is well aligned with what your buyer’s requirements are this season.
We recently had our annual branch chairs meeting in Wellington. This year it was held on 17 & 18 September to reflect the feedback received of avoiding velvetting and school holidays. This resulted in excellent attendance to discuss the topical issues we face as deer farmers. While it did clash for some with pre-existing commitments, the success of the date change allows us to plan well in advance around those dates for next year.
The value of having all the NZDFA representatives together each year has never been higher given the changes and challenges we are facing. Connecting the grassroots messaging with all parts of our industry and beyond provides the necessary information for balanced and informed decisions to be made that have real world consequences for us deer farmers. Many of the topics discussed will be covered in other articles in this edition of Stagline and the next edition of Deer Industry News, so will not look to duplicate those discussions.
Finally, I want to wish you and your families well for the busy season ahead. Please stay informed and connected as we navigate the season ahead.
Mark McCoard
NZDFA Chair
