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The usual drop in farmer returns for venison that follows the spring chilled export season is expected to be much smaller this year. After reaching peak of around $7.10 a kg in October, average prices to deer farmers eased to around $6.90 a kg in mid-November and are expected to stay around that level at least until the end of the year.

The 2021/22 deer velvet season has opened on a strong note, with prices up 10 to 15 per cent on last season’s close. This reflects strong underlying consumer demand, as well as the concern of overseas buyers to secure stock in advance of any possible Covid-related supply disruption.

In the event of a Covid-19 outbreak on a farm it may only be a matter of hours before health officials decide where the infected people and any close contacts will be isolated. Planning for this worst-case scenario is extremely important.

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