Prospects for the velvet market during the 2018-19 season are expected to be reasonably stable, says Deer Industry NZ (DINZ).

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) says strong sales of sire stags are being reported throughout the country.

The new deer velvet season has opened strongly, with farmers reporting early enquiry from buyers at prices 10-15% above last season’s close.

Sales of New Zealand chilled venison are growing, boosting returns to New Zealand deer farmers, even though overall venison production is down.

Venison exporters and Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) are promoting new cuts to chefs to increase returns from the whole deer carcass and to help keep venison on restaurant menus.

New Zealand and South Korean scientists say they will soon be able to identify the compounds that give deer antler velvet its immunity-boosting properties. 

Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dean Hamilton has been appointed to the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) board for a three-year term.

Deer Industry New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will be collaborating in a new Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme called Passion2Profit.

Clive Jermy OMNZ, a well-known red deer stud breeder, has been appointed to the board of Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) for a three-year term.