Right now, many councils are disconnected from farmers and rural communities. Farmers contribute significant amounts in rates, and yet the services they receive rarely meet the needs required to keep their businesses viable.

As we near the end of 2025, we are starting to hear more concrete discussions around velvet prices for the year. Reportedly, prices have rallied somewhat over the last couple of weeks from the dismal position held in the early part of the season yet are still back on last year. Exporters have had to work hard to reclaim some ground.

As November is right in the thick of velvetting, it is also a time of year when delegations from some of our major overseas partners visit to gain a better understanding of the farming practices and standards that go into producing New Zealand velvet. Notably, this year featured a strong influencer contingent for many of the delegations as storytelling to end consumers gains greater importance in market.

When the Oval Office issued its November executive order removing the 15 percent tariff on some agricultural products, including beef and kiwifruit, DINZ moved immediately to see what could be done for venison.  

Message from the Chair | Velvet: The most emotive word in the deer industry? | In Brief: Wild deer a growing problem and more... | Meet and Greet: Terry Meikle | Velvet: A fraught space, Stand firm | Venison: New cuts broaden appeal | Special Report: Wild! | Deer Industry Research Strategy | Deer present a compelling diversification option for sheep-beef systems | Counter-trend strategy pays off for Manawatu partnership | nProve another selection tool for velvet growers | Herd host: The ongoing ecology of yersinia in deer and more...