DINZ Board Observer applications open for 2026 | 2026 Elections and Appointments | You’re Welcome! | Obituary - Lochie Longman-Roberts | Velvet Competitions | Stag Sales Calendar | IFP – Final Hurrah | International Deer Biology Congress | Work placement

Executive Committee update | Velvet Export Licensing – Status Update | Farming's Full House: the benefits of diversifying with sheep, beef, and deer – Part 2 | New Parasite Management Calendar – Now with Deer-Specific Advice! | Noticeboard

Well, the velvet grapevine is in full swing, rumours of pricing, containers on the water, grading guidelines and who is to blame for the current situation consume most deer farming conversations. Throw in an extreme weather event down south, maxed out overdrafts, unacceptable pricing, public spats on Facebook and you end up with a toxic situation that will benefit none of us.

The Export Licensing Working Group (ELWG) has been making steady progress in working through key focus areas. Recent efforts have zeroed in on licensing requirements, such as adherence to grading standards, control and ownership of an RMP facility, and developing a cohesive marketing approach to ensure New Zealand velvet stands out in international markets.

In last month’s DFA Stagline we reported on the second mixed species field day, held at the Burden family’s farm, Longbrook, in the Hawkes Bay. These field days are jointly organised by BLNZ, DINZ and NZDFA branches and the latest was held at Westview Farm in the Manawatu two days ago and hosted by Matt Carroll (farmer and BakerAg consultant).

Tucked away between native bush on the road from Rotorua to Tirau stands the Duncan Venison Processing Plant, established in 2001. Last month ten eager members of the Waikato DFA branch took the opportunity to tour the operation whilst it was in full swing.

Deer Industry NZ, in partnership with Beef + Lamb NZ, has developed a new Parasite Management Wall Calendar for 2026, now featuring deer-specific information; alongside sheep and cattle.