Deer farming had been going pretty well until covid-19 hit. As a high-end fine dining protein, the loss of food service has meant venison prices have come back quite a lot. As people look to boost their health and immunity, velvet has seen increased interest in export markets, though.
Contrast that with sheep, where lamb is selling pretty well but wool is still searching for a buyer.
The holy grail for farmers is that there’d be good returns from both income streams, whether they be for deer or sheep.
The future looks positive in the long-term, with consumers looking for good food and fibre. The short term, with restaurants around the world still struggling, could be more fraught.
Bryan Gibson
Dairy disruptors on the horizon
La Nina's drying effects in the southern hemisphere and the end of Foodbox buying in the United States loom as disruptive events for global dairy supply and demand.
Velvet trade steady – but uncertainty looms
Covid-19 has created huge economic damage, but it is not a bad space for New Zealand velvet producers to be in right now.
Scientists get handle on carbon levels
Latest research by Plant and Food Research scientists will help farmers ultimately identify where on their farms carbon levels are highest and where they may be most vulnerable.
Changing tactics in covid-hit venison markets
Patience is the nature of the game as venison marketers mark time with their traditional northern hemisphere customers.
Late log boost for Napier Port
A late jump in September-quarter log exports through Napier Port wasn’t enough to restore total freight volumes to year-earlier levels.
Sarah's Country Election Special LIVE 7pm
Do you know where our political parties all stand on the big issues facing farming and growing?
In the countdown to the NZ 2020 election this Saturday, Sarah presents five of the biggest issues facing New Zealand's food and fibre sector to five of the major political parties’ agriculture spokespersons to hear where they stand and what their plans are.
Featured guests include New Zealand Labour Party's Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor, New Zealand National Party 's David Bennett, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand 's Eugenie Sage, New Zealand First's Mark Patterson and ACT's Mark Cameron.
