Deer

Episode 50 – Is 2025 the year of the deer?

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.

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A return to deer

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.

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Episode 22 – Exciting times ahead for the deer industry

Those in New Zealand’s deer industry have an exciting future ahead of them, Following the recent Deer Industry NZ conference, we talk to Ron Schroeder about his hope for the future of deer, and how we got here. And we speak to DINZ executive chef, Graham Brown, who shares his love for venison and its versatility, and gives us some tips for cooking venison at home.

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Seeking grazing personalities

Is it possible to genetically select deer according to their grazing personality?

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A sea-change thanks to velvet

A son’s rugby injury and its treatment with deer velvet products convinced Barry Cuttance to give up life as a sea-farer. Lynda Gray reports.

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A deer milestone

Set up in the very early days of New Zealand deer farming, the people of Invermay have celebrated half a century of scientific research for the industry. By Lynda Gray.

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Where to next for deer?

The report card is out on a seven-year strategy for the deer industry costing $15 million, Lynda Gray looks at the results.

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Venison schedule needs to lift

Tom Ward explains the forces behind the season’s lamb, beef and venison markets.

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Development spurs system change

A switch to tall fescue and irrigation has transformed the finishing operation on Tom and Sam Macfarlane’s Melior Venison farm in South Canterbury. By Lynda Gray. Photos by Anna Munro.

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