Growing deer on trees

Peter and Dianne Allan are advocates for using both deer and trees in a mutually beneficial relationship on their Southland farm.  The importance of trees for deer is underrated, Peter Allan says. The Southland deer farmer is adamant the 25,000 trees planted over 33 years give much-needed shelter and shade that help boost the production of his Red deer. “They’re worth their weight in gold. You’ll grow better velvet and venison if you have them in place,” he says. Peter and wife Dianne have planted all the trees on Maple Valley, a 231ha farm at the top of Glenure hill, midway between Dipton and Balfour. The planting along with drainage and riparian fencing has cost about one million dollars. “On average we’re spending about $25,000 a year. It’s a bit scary when you think about it.” But the spadework has been immensely satisfying and achieved their environmental compliance and animal welfare goals. “We’re at the stage where we put a lot of emphasis on the welfare of our deer,” Peter says.