Sep 11, 2026
Noticeboard | Issue 224 | September 2026
NZDFA Subscriptions for 2026/27
Thanks to all NZDFA members who have renewed their membership for 2026/27. Reminder notices were sent out last month.
The NZDFA relies on this subscription to function effectively while continuing to deliver a strong, independent view for the producer at all levels of industry engagement. The NZDFA extends thanks to all those who have shown support through the past year.
State of the Industry: Mid-Year Update 2026 released
Deer Industry New Zealand has released its State of the Industry: Mid-Year Update 2026 report, providing a snapshot of the key trends, opportunities and challenges shaping New Zealand's deer industry.
The report highlights encouraging signs that the national herd has stabilised following several years of decline, with increases in hinds mated and fawns weaned providing a positive signal for future growth. It also examines venison market performance, developments in the velvet sector, progress in key export markets, farm cost pressures, and more. Based on the latest industry, market, and economic data, the report is designed to support informed decision-making across the sector.
To view the State of the Industry report, click here >>
Preparing for dry conditions as El Niño risk grows
With El Niño conditions set to strengthen over the coming season, MPI’s On Farm Support team has now released its practical checklist for preparing for dry conditions to provide farmers with a useful guide to reviewing feed budgets, water infrastructure, contingency plans and animal management decisions, helping build resilience and reduce risk as seasonal conditions evolve.
Farm checklist – Preparing for dry weather >>
If you missed it last month, the On Farm Support team has also released a checklist for prolonged wet weather, most likely to affect western and southern regions.
Farm checklist – Preparing for prolonged wet weather >>
You can also check out the relevant Deer Facts fact sheet below:
Deer Facts – Drought feeding and management >>
DINZ in-depth podcast series
Complex issues rarely fit into a soundbite. That's what makes The Weekly Hotwire's annual podcast series on the deer industry worth a listen. These 25-minute conversations provide the time and space to explore the opportunities, challenges, and strategic decisions facing our industry.
Episode 1: Rhys Griffiths, DINZ CEO
What is the current state of New Zealand's deer industry, and where are the opportunities and challenges ahead? In this in-depth conversation, DINZ Chief Executive Rhys Griffiths discusses strong venison returns, signs of herd stabilisation, market diversification, the outlook for velvet, and the industry's ambitions for future growth and value creation.
Listen here: Deer sector rebuilding confidence as markets strengthen | interest.co.nz
Episode 2: Evan Potter, NZDFA Chair
From profitability and competing land uses to product differentiation and attracting the next generation, NZDFA Chair Evan Potter shares a farmer's perspective on the future of deer farming. This wide-ranging discussion explores the opportunities, pressures, and practical realities facing deer farmers, and why innovation remains central to the industry's success.
Listen here: Deer industry looks to differentiation as farmers weigh the future | interest.co.nz
Episodes 3 and 4 in the series will be recorded and released in the coming month, so keep an eye out for those.
Young Deer Farmer Competition>>
North Island Velvet Competition>>
Hawke’s Bay Velvet Competition
- Date: Thursday 19 November 2026
- Details to follow
South Canterbury North Otago Velvet Competition
- Date: Friday 27 November 2026
- Details to follow
Kaipara Velvet Competition
- Date : Sunday 6 December 2026
- Details to follow
National Velvet Competition
- Date: Monday 7 December 2026
Details to follow
JOKES
Good news: I get to work at home today!
Bad news: I'm a fireman.
Why did the deer have to get braces? he had buck teeth!
I've now gone over a week without making any cheap innuendos. Touch wood.
Why is rabbit farming a terrifying profession? Every day is a hare-raising experience!
