Deer farming was one of those money-making ventures that brought many an Australian farmer unstuck, but those that persevered are now reaping all the rewards it promised decades ago.
Demand for velvet in China is so strong, delegates are flying into regional Australia to try and secure a deal at the farm gate and end of season prices are set at more than $160 per kilogram.
By Danielle Grindlay, ABC Rural
AgResearch scientists are working with Korean counterparts to discover what components of deer velvet may help boost immune systems.
Deer antler products are commonly used in northern Asian countries in the winter to boost people’s immune systems and fight off colds and flus.
By Jemma Brackebush, Radio New Zealand News
The New Zealand Deer Industry says a downturn in venison prices is being countered by strong growth in the use of deer velvet in health food products in Asia.
Deer Industry New Zealand is celebrating its 40th year in business at its annual conference in Napier; industry leaders said deer farming in New Zealand had come a long way in that time.
By Peter Fowler, Radio New Zealand News
New Zealand has signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea that cut duties by $65 million in its first year.
Trade Minister Tim Groser, in Seoul to sign the deal, said New Zealand paid $229m a year in duties on the goods it sold to South Korea.
By Gerard Hutching, stuff.co.nz
The deer industry may have missed out on getting the bulk of its deer antler exports to South Korea included in the free trade agreement signed this week.
But it is taking other steps to increase the value and demand of the deer velvet trade to its oldest and still most significant market.
By Radio New Zealand News.
Velvet prices mean deer farms are ahead of dairy on earnings, a Manawatu deer farmer says.
Craig Hocken has several hundred deer at his Colyton farm, and said rising velvet prices had meant a steady increase in income.
By Jill Galloway, stuff.co.nz
Deer farmers who specialise in velvet production are on a winning ticket at the moment.
Prices for the antler product, used in Asian traditional medicines, have lifted by about 25 percent on a year ago, continuing what is believed to be an unprecedented six-year run of rising prices.
Radio New Zealand News, radionz.co.nz
Deer industry trying to improve sector profitability by developing new markets.
The New Zealand dollar’s record-breaking run against the long-suffering euro has hit the local venison market hard because of its high exposure to Europe, but strong deer velvet prices have provided a partial offset for farmers.
By Jamie Gray, nzherald.co.nz
Brilliant velvet, weak venison prices.
It has been a tough start to the year for many non-velvet deer farmers, with dry conditions and a disappointing venison schedule combining to put pressure on pastures, budgets and patience.
Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) chair and Mid Canterbury farm advisor Andy Macfarlane urged deer farmers to remain proactive in managing both the feed situation and their budgets.
Deer Industry NZ Press Release, scoop.co.nz