Country-Wide Summer 2024-25

2025 could be a window of opportunity for farmers to get into the deer industry, with the sheep industry facing tough times. With new market access opportunities opening up in China and South Korea, and the benefits of mixed species farming in mind, it could be the year of the deer for New Zealand farmers. Hear from Taihape deer farmer and Chairman of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association, Mark McCoard, and Deer Industry New Zealand CEO, Rhys Griffiths.

In this episode we focus on the loyal working dog, and give some practical advice on how we can best care for our vital farm workers throughout their life. Hear from Professor Matt Littlejohn about a new project at Massey University that looks at the DNA and behaviour of working dogs in New Zealand, and Hunterville vet, Jaime Watters, who shares advice for providing the best care for your dogs, from a pup through to an older dog.

Legendary helicopter pilot and ground culler reflects on a wild time in the establishment of the deer industry. Words Dick Deaker. Photos Barry Harcourt & Garry Hollows.

Farm planning for deer farmers must allow for flexibility and the unique challenges of farming deer, but a good farm plan can help provide proof of best practice for our markets. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Newly appointed Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) chief executive Rhys Griffiths (pictured) knows the industry has weathered some recent storms, but he believes it is poised to write the next chapter in the pioneering history of deer. Words Rebecca Greaves.

It’s what’s in their nuts that counts. And the team at Melior is confident their nuts have the goods when it comes to delivering fast growing, robust venison animals.

Getting deer back inside the many deer-fenced blocks on the country’s sheep-beef farms is a major priority for Taihape deer farmer Mark McCoard. Tony Leggett asks the recently elected chairman of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association how it will happen. Photos Brad Hanson.

Words Kathryn Wright

This is one of my favourite recipes. The loaves are super moist and will last a long time in the tin thanks to the ‘Irish component’. I am a big advocate for baking two things at once – one to butter and one to freeze. And in this case, you can make two loaves turn into four little cute Christmas cakes, or one to gift and one loaf for you to slice and butter with a cuppa when you find two minutes to sit down during the silly season. Words & Photos Philippa Cameron.