A new system is being developed for tracing tagged velvet as it moves through the supply chain.

While productivity on farm in the deer industry has improved, a question mark still hangs over the sector’s ability to get up to speed on sustainability and to connect better with policymakers.

The deer sector has joined a growing chorus of farming groups – and others – describing the Government’s targets for methane reductions as unrealistic.

Deer Industry New Zealand is disappointed by the government’s recently announced emissions reduction targets for agriculture.

Farmed deer numbers, including breeding hinds and fawns, increased in 2018, says Statistics New Zealand.

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.