Jul 18, 2025
Cowboys, fly-by-nighters, geezers… or stability?
The coming season could be challenging, with rumours of underhanded tactics and misinformation currently filtering back to the Executive Committee. Any decrease in prices from last season would be unacceptable, while greater transparency and an improvement in some buyers’ behaviour and attitude is needed to ensure the longevity of our industry. While DINZ is aware of this information and is actively working on solutions, it got me thinking about what we can control or do as farmers. Obviously, we have no say in price, but we do get to influence the following;
- The quantity and quality of velvet produced, both individually and as an industry
- Supply of OG1 and HV1 (minimise where possible) – Get an understanding of what the company you supply wants.
- Cut NT heads shorter; don’t push the tops!
- Get informed!! Talk to a range of farmers regarding prices being paid rather than trusting what a buyer tells you. There was evidence of different pricing structures and payment timings between clients of certain buyers last season.
- Be aware that once you have taken a deposit, you no longer have control and could be left with empty promises.
The choice of who you sell to and when (within reason), so deal with reputable buyers: Who has skin in the game versus a plane ticket in their back pocket?- Industry grading specifications are only guidelines, and each company grades according to their individual market’s needs. If you aren’t happy, consider changing.
- Diversification – Reliance on velvet income alone is high risk.
Timing and dispersal of surplus velveting stags – Space is tight post-velvetting, with growing numbers of stags and limited capacity due to the trucking window and processing limitations. What would be the effects on your business if those stags can’t be killed??
While each business will make its own choices based on its unique set of circumstances, it is timely to point out that the choices we make as individuals not only directly affect ourselves but have a cumulative effect on the whole industry.
The choice is yours; the time is now.
