Existing deer blocks are being expanded and subdivided to run more stock, feeding systems are being upgraded and more weaners are being kept for breeding – all on the back of soaring venison prices that traditionally peak in spring for the European chilled game market but this season reached records highs pre-Christmas and continue to hold up well above average.
The South Island schedule for venison is $11 a kilogram while the North Island is about $10/kg.
Deer Industry NZ chief executive Dan Coup said a recent survey of the industry showed since 2011 there has been strong growth in the size of the average deer herd.
The average surveyed herd had 407 breeding hinds against 330 in 2011, 264 velvetting stags (165 in 2011) and 360 finishing stags (220 in 2011).
“Since the overall size of the national deer herd declined in this period, this points to our big deer farmers getting bigger.”
Firm evidence of a national turnaround in deer numbers is a little hard to come by.
“Presumably, there are fewer people running deer as a sideline or as a hobby,” Coup said.
The first sign was a small uptick in stag numbers reported by Statistics NZ last year.
Also, since late 2017, the ratio of hinds to stags at deer slaughter plants has been about 48%, which points to the industry being in a rebuilding phase, Coup said.
“Modest sustained growth in the national deer herd, built on strong market demand for its products, is good for the industry.
“It improves our economies of scale, encourages innovation and contributes to a positive vibe that is needed to attract new blood to the industry.”
Coup said venison and velvet prices have been firming for five years on the back of reduced supply, a strong traditional market and the development of new markets and market segments.
Farmers who stayed with deer are being rewarded for their commitment and many of them are growing their herds.
There are also newcomers looking for stock so they could get into the industry, Coup said.
Staying ahead of the deer game is the theme of Deer Industry NZ’s annual conference to be held in Timaru on May 15 and 16.
The conference aims to deliver value back to attendees by giving them ideas and inspiration with a chance to consider the big picture around their own businesses.
While there will be the hardy annual sessions around venison, velvet and research – the conference has a specific focus on the environment.
On the first day the conference will kick off with the NZ Deer Farmers’ Association annual meeting followed by technical sessions with updates on DeeResearch projects and a session on stem cell medicated healing led by Dr Dawn Coates from Otago University.
AgResearch scientists will present sessions covering the impact of deer on waterways and parasite research while DINZ deer genetics manager Sharon McIntrye will look into using genetic gain providing first-hand farmer experience of deer breeding and the use of EBVs.
A next generation panel will round out the day addressing leadership, issues and expectations.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is expected to present the opening address on day two before DINZ chairman Ian Walker and chief executive Dan Coup give a state of the industry overview.
Keynote speakers, business futurist and innovation expert Craig Rispin will talk about emerging business, people and technology trends and how companies can benefit from them while former Zespri chief executive Lain Jager will give his perspective on the Zespri story and whether venison can be the next kiwifruit.
Special agriculture trade envoy Mike Petersen will look at why NZ needs a new story while Ecologic Foundation chief executive Guy Salmon will discuss the environment, society, farming and evolving expectations.
Environmental stewardship, legacy and succession in deer farming will be covered by South Canterbury deer farmers Hamish and Anne Orbell together with Hamish and Julia Mackenzie.
The annual awards dinner will be held on Wednesday May 16 with an optional field trip to Peel Forest Estate and Mesopotamia Station on Thursday May 17.
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Information and register at deernz.org
