Nov 16, 2026
As I begin to make my way around the country visiting farmers, it’s good to see a genuinely positive mood. In general, all product prices are good and so far, spring has been pretty good for most. Southland/Otago had a rough time earlier but is coming right now from most accounts.
While climate has limited some weaners from Southland/Otago being killed early, anecdotally I am hearing others are being retained to add weight and price, given what looks to be a flatter schedule this year. With the improved velvet prices, I’m also hearing people are holding stags to cut regrowth prior to killing. While I understand this approach from both a personal farm point of view and industry point of view with more meat production, I would just urge farmers to consider scenarios that if it does go dry and given the stag kill cut off is a week earlier this year (mid Feb) there could be a crunch point where animals can’t be killed exactly when we want them killed. If you do decide to hold animals make sure you have a backup plan for extra feed if they can’t be killed exactly when you want.
On the velvet front, as the note from NZDFA two weeks ago said; prices have improved so far this year. As always, make sure you’re fully aware of both conditions and grading when committing to supplying a certain buyer. We are hearing that while pricing is similar in some cases, the velvet is being graded to different specifications which may suit individual farmers differently. Please also remember our responsibilities and obligations as velvetters.
Next week on 17 November between 7 – 8pm Canterbury/West Coast branch DFA supported by DINZ is hosting a webinar on Deer Select and understanding breeding values and what is presented in sale catalogues. Sharon McInytre and David Stevens will present and then answer questions on how to utilise and interpret the information to benefit your farm goals. The webinar is available for anyone.
Wishing everyone a lush and positive run into Christmas.
Thanks
Tom
Click here to go back to Issue 226 to read more of this months Stagline articles >>
