Deer farmers are enjoying one of their best seasons in years, with high prices and good growing conditions.
The chair of Deer Industry New Zealand, Ashburton farmer Andy Macfarlane, says venison returns are up $1 - $1.50 per kilogram this season and velvet prices have remained at good levels.
He says demand for venison exceeds supply. Deer growth rates on farms have been outstanding since Christmas and they expect more fawns to be born this November.
Deer
Industry New Zealand venison marketing services manager Innes Moffat says the high value of the New Zealand dollar is taking the cream off the top of the high prices in export markets, but he believes the prices are sustainable.
Mr Moffat says the national deer herd of 1.2 million has remained reasonably stable over the past few years but he expects there will be a moderate increase as venison prices remain high.
