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.

Southern Rural Life reporter Yvonne O’Hara asked DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Deer Industry New Zealand for their thoughts about the new animal welfare regulations, which will be in place on October 1.

New Zealand's pioneering deer milk industry has received a further boost by being named a finalist in this year's New Zealand Food Awards.

Pamu, the brand for Landcorp Farming, is a finalist in both the primary sector award and the novel food and beverage award.

The chilled venison season in Europe has closed with market volumes stable on last year.

But Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) venison marketing manager Nick Taylor warns there are challenges to be addressed.

The hot European summer proved a stumbling block with fewer people dining out in stuffy restaurants and looking ahead cultural changes in eating will increasingly influence the market.