Aug 15, 2024
What’s been happening around the country?
As we plunge deep into winter, so far it seems to be quite mild for many farmers without too much mud or animal health issues. So spare a thought for some who are doing it tough thanks to the ongoing effects from the dry El Nino summer/autumn. In particular the North Canterbury farmers are staring down a spring with low soil moisture content on top of heavily de-stocked herd AND hinds with low scanning rates. One positive is the North Canterbury Advance Party which has provided much needed support to its members. These groups and the NZDFA branch network are quite special to our industry and greatly increase connections, support and knowledge sharing within the industry.
Speaking of which there was a good turnout of farmers in July when the DINZ Board held a Q&A session in Nelson. Given all the recent change at DINZ there were lots of questions on issues of concern for deer farmers, namely: China market access for velvet, Veltrak charges, venison prices (good relative to other species but still needing to be higher to offset production costs). There was also talk of nomination for a new NZDFA life member – stay tuned for that.
DINZ will be looking to repeat this session in several places across both islands in September:
- Wednesday 11th: Oxford 11:00am - 1:30pm, Geraldine 4:30pm - 7:30pm
- Thursday 12th: Cromwell 11:00am - 1:30pm, Winton 5:30pm - 8:30pm
- Tuesday 17th: Fielding (ideally) or Palmerston North 5:30pm
- Wednesday 18th: Waipukurau (ideally) or Waipawa 5:30pm
The NZDFA hasn’t been idle either with meetings: Southland and Canterbury West Coast have held committee meetings in July, while Kaipara hosted a field day and Marlborough hosted school visits from Marlborough Boys College (see short account later in this issue).
The major event this month was the 12th Next Generation Programme, this year held in Central Regions (Manawatu/Horowhenua). There was a big contingent of DINZ staff and Cameron Frecklington (DINZ Communications Manager) has provided a detailed account of the two days in this issue. This event is the highlight of the NZDFA calendar and this year was no exception. Our thanks go to Dwight and Sarah Adlam, Mike Humphrey, Simon Wishnowsky (Venison Packers Feilding), Richard Hilson, Matt Carroll, Matt Gibson and our sponsors: PGG Wrightson, Ravensdown, Farmlands, MPI and First Light.
The rest of August will be relatively quiet, Bay of Plenty will be holding its AGM on 29 August and I’ll be catching up with the Southland branch committee the week before.
As always, please let us know of any upcoming activities. We are happy to offer support where we can, e.g. publicity, financial support, finding expert speakers etc.
