Mar 13, 2026
Executive Report - Tom MacFarlane | Issue 218 | March 2026
In South Canterbury the mornings in particular have chilled off fast, although we are still getting some good days in between rain. The temperature has bought the stags on fast, so hopefully combined with good feed and well-conditioned hinds we are due for a nice early conception. By and large the whole country seems to be in a pretty good position feed-wise and prices are holding well. The arable farmers have definitely seen plenty of challenges as have those areas with wind and excessive rain proving challenging.
The first sales of weaner deer are being completed across both islands by all accounts, with prices lifting modestly, in line with what is being seen with beef and sheep. This is just reward for those breeders that have stuck with it over some tougher years.
This week I got to Southland for another mixed species field day run in partnership with Beef + Lamb NZ as part of its farming for profit programme. Matt Carrol from BakerAg shared his knowledge and analysis of Wakefield farm’s (Dipton) impressive performance and the benefits that running multiple species bring to their whole operation.
There has been a lot of discussion in the deer industry around wild deer and both the benefits and risks these pose for our farmed deer industry. As farmers the best we can do is keep our joint integrity by correctly identifying these animals that end up on farm so the correct checks and measures can be put in place for age, meat quality and residue testing. The new feral-now-farmed category is a way to still gain value for these animals, but we also need to protect our reputation for the premium products we farm specifically.
Lastly with NZDFA elections for the Executive committee coming up soon it’s a good time to have a think about whether you have time to give the industry and help drive our collective future forward. Any of the current executive members are more than happy to connect and discuss the role and benefits.
Although there are always challenges, it seems farming in general is in a pretty good place at the moment across all species. Hopefully this will allow you all some well-earned time and space to clearly consider how to take your businesses forward.
Tom MacFarlane
NZDFA Executive Committee
