Aug 15, 2025
The games have begun with rumours of pricing for the upcoming season no more than underhand tactics and misinformation. The NZDFA Executive has been asked by members if the prices being currently offered are reality? We can assure you: NO!
It is unlikely any firm pricing for the new season will be available until the later end of September, early October. The buyers currently doing the rounds indicating price are merely trying to set the scene for their own gain or that of overseas individuals who have a short-term trading mentality rather than a long-term industry view. Any decrease in prices from last season will be unacceptable, while greater transparency and an improvement in some buyer’s behaviour and attitude is needed.
The other strategy employed by some buyers is to get a high-profile individual on board and look after them well. This gives credibility to their reputation and the messaging they promote. Last season feedback from members demonstrated not all were treated equally. Don’t assume that just because a buyer looks after a stud or industry leader, they will treat you the same. We have already seen the re-entry of two players last seen 14 to 15 years ago on our shores, trying this tactic to get credibility and traction. This if nothing else, indicates the view in which some players see the coming season.
So as farmers the below listed points are some things that you can do to try and ensure you are well informed before committing your velvet for the coming season.
- Quantity and quality of velvet produced, both individually and as an industry
- Minimise OG1 and HV1, get an understanding of what the company you supply wants
- Cut NT heads shorter, don’t push the tops!
- Get informed!! Talk to a range of farmers regarding prices being paid rather than trusting what a buyer tells you. There was evidence of different pricing structures and payment timing between clients of some buyers last season.
- Be aware once you have taken a deposit you have no control, only promises!!
- Taking a deposit may inadvertently set the benchmark price for the coming season?
- Consider the choice of who you sell to and when (within reason): Deal with reputable buyers, who have skin in the game, versus those with just a plane ticket in their back pocket?
- Industry grading specifications are only guidelines, each company grades according to their individual market’s needs. If you aren’t happy consider changing.
- We welcome competition but not irresponsible or underhand behaviour!!
- Timing and dispersal of surplus velveting stags, space is tight post velvetting with growing numbers of stags and limited capacity due to trucking window and processing limitations. What would be the effects on your business if those stags can’t be killed??
While each business will make its own choices based on its unique set of circumstances it is timely to point out that the choices we make as individuals not only directly affect ourselves but have a cumulative effect on the whole industry.
Your actions determine your outcomes, get informed.
Evan Potter
NZDFA Executive Committee
