This episode featured as part of the Livestock and Genetics segment in partnership with Carrfields Livestock.

New Zealand’s deer herd is stabilising for the first time in years, with Stats NZ reporting a 3.1% increase in hinds mated. Deer Industry New Zealand chief executive Rhys Griffiths says the figure marks a halt in the herd’s long decline, not a return to growth.

“It’s early days, so I’m taking that as a stabilisation, rather than that continued contraction,” he says.

He says the share of hinds slaughtered has dropped below 50%, and processing is budgeted at 235,000 to 240,000 animals over the next year or two, against about 400,000 previously.

He says the United States is driving venison demand, with the industry’s retail accelerator hitting $26 million in sales in year one against a $10.5 million target. Access into Vietnam is a longer-term velvet play.

About 20,000 heavier older stags have gone through the works, stripping about 200 tonnes from velvet supply and lifting expectations for returns.

“I get criticised a little bit for using that ‘cautiously optimistic’ term, but that’s definitely where I’m sitting at the moment.”

This episode featured as part of the Livestock and Genetics segment in partnership with Carrfields Livestock. To learn more about buying, selling or managing livestock, or to connect with a local livestock specialist, visit carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.

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