Guido, a third-year Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce Farm Management student, said his passion was to return to a mixed farming operation that included venison finishing.
Half of his family’s Colyton sheep, deer and dairy support property is leased out while he and his two brothers pursue study at Lincoln University, but long-term he wants to go farming with his brothers.
“I’d like to develop the farm to include deer finishing to help spread the risk.”
Deer had been an important part of the family farming business with 400 finished and supplied to Firstlight.
“That fuelled my interest in the deer industry and practical work experience at Argyle Station in Northern Southland, with 2000 deer, was a great experience.”
He believes the long-term outlook for New Zealand venison in overseas markets is positive.
“I think it comes down to marketing, differentiating our product and reducing our reliance on the three-month game season in Germany by developing new markets.”
A second $5000 scholarship, targeted at agribusiness students, was awarded to Kieran Bligh, 27, a former chef and final year Bachelor of Commerce Supply Chain Management student.
