The deer industry is looking to attract skilled, enthusiastic newcomers. Many deer farming pioneers are now wanting to retire but the Deer Farmers Association's Justin Stevens says there's still plenty of opportunity for people entering deer farming to make their mark. He says it's a vibrant and exciting industry but one that's not often on the radar for school leavers. "It's just such a beautiful business to be in... We need to shout it from the roof tops."

New Zealand's pioneering deer milk industry has been going from strength to strength this year, picking up a host of accolades.

Bruce and Jenny Paterson are to host the Southland Next Generation Advance Party's (NGAP) regional field day on their Lower Scotts Gap property at the end of the month.

Mr Paterson said the October 30 field day would include keynote speaker, PGG Wrightson agronomist Brian Young.

He said the field day was not just for Southland NGAP programme as all farmers and other interested people were invited.

An Otago Polytechnic agriculture student is now more clued up about the deer industry after her recent trip with the future deer farmers experience.

Deer Industry New Zealand's Tony Pearse has recently returned from the 7th World Deer Congress in Russia and says Russia is turning its attention to high-end velvet products for the tourist market.