Dec 16, 2025
Issue 216 | Velvet Competitions
Déjà vu
“This year it seems that numbers of entries were down in many of the competitions held so far, but on the flip side the quality of velvet has never been better” – DFA Stagline, December 2024.
Despite the uncertainty with velvet prices this season the entries on display were outstanding and a real reminder of the quality of the product and the skill of the producers. This was not lost on the Chinese and Korean customer delegations that visited the North Island and South Canterbury-North Otago competitions.
Thanks to all the organisers and entrants for another year of successful competitions. All those who attended enjoyed catching up and taking time off farm from a busy time of year.
Results will be posted here>> as they are sent in.
Hawkes Bay kicked off the competitions with it’s usual high standard of velvet and fun.
Central Regions/Taihape-Ruapehu. The McIntyres did well! Photo credit: M Pugh
Central Regions / Taihape-Ruapehu. Photo credit: M Pugh
SCNO. Hanpure were impressed with the quality on display. Photo credit: Hanpure
SCNO. … And why wouldn’t they?!
North Island.
North Island. The Brains Trust (Tom Loveridge, Tony Cochrane) Photo credit: M Pugh
Kaipara. Small but perfectly formed!
Tasman/Marlborough. Photo credit: M Pugh
Tasman/Marlborough. The next generation. Photo credit: M Pugh
Also, some comments from Justin Stevens about the Tasman Marlborough velvet competition:
"Great lineup of Velvet this year and thanks to the Kinzett family for the venue and the stunning scenery in Murchison. Also, a special thank you to our sponsors Vetlife, Silver Fern Farms, CK Import and PGG Wrightson. The judges Tony Pidgeon from CK Import and Luke Thompson from PGG Wrightson who did a sterling job on the day. Congratulations to Tony Peacock with a Champion Wapiti Velvet Head worth over $ 1,500, which shows what can happen when the end purchaser of Velvet respects and appreciates the effort that goes into producing Velvet by deer farmers." Justin Stevens, Marlborough DFA Chair.
Nationals.
Nationals
