Nov 16, 2026
View this month's Stagline as a PDF for an easier way to print and read on the go. Click here to download >>
Executive Update - Tom Macfarlane >>
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.
Raincliff Reigns the Roost >>
Over 120 people converged on Raincliff Station in South Canterbury on Tuesday 27 October. The occasion was to celebrate the Morgan family winning the 2025 Deer Industry (supreme) Elworthy Award and the Streamlands Export NZ Velvet Award for leading, environmentally sustainable velvet farming.
NZDFA Subs >>
Have you paid your NZDFA membership for 2026/27?
Stag Sales and Deer Genetics Webinar >>
Buying deer this sale season? Make sense of the catalogues before you bid. As stag sale season approaches, understanding the breeding information behind the animals on offer can help you make more informed purchasing and breeding decisions.
Velvet Competitions >>
Branch velvet competitions are just around the corner, view upcoming competitions near you.
Reminders >>
Reminders to velvet and venison farmers
Noticeboard >>
- 2026 Elections and Appointments
- Seasonal Climate Outlook November - December 2026
- From our friends at Beef + Lamb New Zealand
- Contacts for a UK deer farm visit
- Jokes of the month
Events >>
- Make sense of the catalogues before you bid webinar - Online, 17 Nov >>
- Hawke's Bay Velvet Competition - Hawke's Bay, 19 Nov >>
- South Canterbury/North Otago Velvet Competition, Timaru, 27 Nov >>
- North Island Velvet Competition, Feilding, 28 Nov >>
- Central Regions and Taihape Velvet and Hard Antler Competition - Feilding, 28 Nov >>
- Marlborough Tasman Velvet Competition - Marlborough, 29 Nov >>
- Kaipara Velvet Competition - Kaipara, 6 Dec >>
- National Velvet Competition - Invercargill, 7 Dec>>
- Elk Wapiti Society Velvet Competition - Gore, 30-31 Jan 2027 >>
- Bayonet 2027 Rising Stars National Hard Antler and Velvet Competition - Te Awamutu, 6 Mar 2027 >>
- Deer Industry Conference - Christchurch, 5-6 May 2027 >>