There have been many headwinds for venison and velvet markets affected by covid-19 in 2020, as well as domestic environmental challenges. However, collaborations and strategic partnerships are seeing improved opportunities ahead for the pioneering deer industry.

As part of this week’s “Opinion Maker” show of Sarah’s Country, Nicola Johnston from Silver Fern Farms explains the impact of Covid on venison prices in Europe and North America, and how they have pivoted their efforts into venison’s third largest market, China on a venison marketing project with DINZ.

As part of this week’s “Opinion Maker” show of Sarah’s Country, Mark McCoard from Deer Farmers Association and Phil McKenzie from DINZ discuss how deer farmers are going to be able to meet climate change emission reduction targets.

As part of this week’s “Opinion Maker” show of Sarah’s Country, Rhys Griffiths from Deer Industry NZ discusses how three companies have formed a coalition to develop a New Zealand velvet market as a health food ingredient in China.

Innes Moffat says he is optimistic for exports of venison in 2021.

The chief executive of Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) says that while Covid-19 had a significant impact on sales across the globe, total exports increased in 2020.

Sheep, beef and venison farmer Richard Greer says his business still hasn't recovered from Covid-19’s hit to meat prices, with turnover down between 30 and 40 per cent.

He doesn’t much hope for the year ahead, because of continuing lockdowns in key markets like the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom.

The country's deer industry is hoping mass COVID-19 vaccines around the world will help the struggling sector in 2021.

Last year venison prices hit a six-year low, as the global pandemic caused demand for the meat, which is mostly eaten at restaurants, to plummet.

Rural News for 19 February 2021, 
RNZ, 19 February 2021

[00:00:39] Deer Industry New Zealand  Innes Moffat says as more people are vaccinated. the food service industry will gain confidence ...

Processing company Silver Fern Farms (SFF) has been selected to work with Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) to develop a venison marketing project in China.

Five applications for contestable funding were received by DINZ for a project that would support the development of a new market for venison in China.

VelTrak is on track to be introduced in time for the next velvet season.
The system was the industry organisation’s new electronic, web-based method for tagging and traceability, which would follow each individual stick of velvet through the supply chain, from farmer to market.

All Black captain Sam Cane has a reputation for tenacity and getting the hard work done.

It’s a trait that must run in the family genes when you look at the farming career of his parents, who farm at Reporoa on the Central Plateau.

Three companies marketing deer velvet antlers in Asia have formed a coalition to develop a market for New Zealand velvet as a health food ingredient in China.

In a marketing-only China velvet coalition – CK Import Export, PGG Wrightson and Provelco – will work together to get the critical mass needed to make an impact with the proposed new health food in China.

Tikana Wapiti stud’s grand old gentleman, wapiti bull Nepia, has proven again he is the top velvet producer in the country.

His velvet antler won the 2021 Champion of Champions title at the recent New Zealand Elk and Wapiti Society’s competition in Cromwell on January 30.

Nathan Coburn never intended being a deer farmer, yet less than a decade on from his first exposure to the antlered beasts he is well and truly hooked on velvet.

In fact, the sparky who owns Riverton Electrical, has become something of a live wire in the Southland deer industry.