Farmed deer numbers increased in 2018 for the first time in decades. The increase in hind numbers of around 5 per cent is seen by DINZ as sustainable if it is repeated in coming years.
The Nelson wild-fire continues to be a major worry for deer farmers in the area. The good news is that there has been no loss of human life. Nor are any farmed deer known to have died.
Deer farmers can expect a return this year to the normal pattern of seasonal demand, which sees venison schedule prices peaking in spring each year. This premium rewards farmers who are able to carry finishing deer through the winter to meet chilled season demand from Europe.
