Dec 16, 2025
Issue | 216 Executive Committee Update
For all the positives of the season so far with good beef, lamb and venison pricing, a good drop of rain wouldn’t go amiss for a lot of the country.
The elephant in the room is still velvet pricing but at least we are having some pricing emerge now, and at levels higher than previously indicated thankfully. As these prices are emerging there seems to be a slight upward trend so holding out is paying off.
Last week the DFA executive had a meeting in Invercargill which included a catch up with the Southland branch of the DFA and Elk Wapiti society to discuss improvements and solutions that are in progress and to address going forward, largely focused on velvet. As an exec we value the coordinated, pragmatic feedback to be able to advocate on our farmers behalf.
While in Invercargill we also got to attend the National velvet and hard antler awards. I’d like to congratulate all entrants and winners for some incredible velvet on display. It’s a credit to the industry and the individual farmers on the progress being made. I’d also like to congratulate the organising committee and Southland Branch on an extremely well run, slick event.
The first of the venison sales last week started off on a positive note with good clearances and prices across all. This reinforces the confidence in farming and deer as a viable diversification option in amongst sheep and beef. I have witnessed this increased confidence in my travels across the country and is no doubt aided by high sheep, beef and venison pricing. With the outlook good for the near to medium term, let’s hope it allows us all to get some runs on the board after a tough couple of years. As far as this season goes, schedules appear set to hold through summer months, reinforcing returns for those that can continue to keep animals growing through summer and benefitting the industry by increasing average carcass weights.
Velvet and trophy sire sales start this week. Although cashflow is a challenge for some in that space I have a firm belief that most farmers understand the value of genetics and a long term strategy for their business and therefore they’ll still be investing in animals even if it is slightly scaled back on what they’d like.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and happy New Year. Remember to take a break and keep the mind fresh and enjoy time with family and friends. Hopefully the weather helps that with providing just what you all require to set up the rest of the season.
