New Zealand deer velvet has long been prized across Asia, but today its opportunity has never been clearer.

It has been a busy few months behind-the-scenes in the velvet space as new and updated structures and systems are put in place to help add rigour, discipline and transparency to the workings of the velvet industry.

The third webinar in our regular series, held the first week of every other month, was on the TB Plan Review, which is now open for consultation. Listen to Dr Helen Anderson, Independent Chair of the TB Plan Review Governance Group, and Jonathan Rudge, TB Plan Review Lead, as they explain what is being proposed, how the proposal will be achieved and by when.

Mountain River Venison has launched a pilot Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) programme, a globally recognised regenerative standard backed by real data and credentials.

Back in late July, the DINZ Research Advisory Panel visited AgResearch Invermay to look over facilities, discuss resourcing and get a general lay of the land. While Invermay is a research facility, it still operates as a functional farm, and lessons that might come from operations don’t necessarily mean they came from a dedicated research project. 

The 2025/26 season is already shaping up to be a pivotal one for the velvet sector. Two key developments are front-of-mind, namely VelTrak re-registrations and a stepped-up verification programme designed to safeguard integrity and maintain a level playing field.

Deer have resumed their status as a profitable land use option, according to a recent gross margin analysis by Canterbury farm consultant Wayne Allan. 

The updated Code of Welfare: Deer has been released, the first of the updated livestock codes of welfare to be published. The code will come into effect on 8 September. All those responsible for farming or handling deer – including trophy parks and game estates – should review the changes and familiarise themselves with the updated code. 

Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) today reported the Year 1 results of its North American Retail Accelerator (NARA) programme for New Zealand venison, with the first year of the three-year programme delivering $25.9 million in FOB export revenue sold into retail channels, against a project objective of $10.4 million annually by the end of Year 3.

Market visits and MOUs | Deer farmer’s edible wrap nets global interest and more | Meet and Greet: Rusty Andrews | India FTA an opportunity for NZ venison and velvet? | New bill could benefit deer milk processors | Conference Roundup | NZDFA: Die-hards | Apiti move opens door for next generation | IFP project on a roll | Southern winter management reminders | CSA deer fencing helps keep waterways clean | Royal recognition | Reindeer farming in Norway | Animal Health: To scan or not to scan? | Venison ragout with berries