Issue 218 | March 2026

DFA Stagline | Issue 218 | March 2026

Issue 218 | March 2026

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TICK THE "OTHER FEEDS" BOX ON THE ASD FORM FOR WILD CAUGHT VENISON 

Download a printable version here >>

Executive Report - Tom MacFarlane >>

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.

NZDFA Vacancies – Your Association Still Needs You!>>

Positions on the NZDFA Executive Committee and Selection and Appointments Panel, and the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) Board are now open for nominations. 

Rising Stars 2026 >>

This year’s Bayonet Rising Stars marked the fourth year that Waipa has hosted the competition, back at the Te Awamutu racecourse.

Environment Field Day>>

It’s not often we get the opportunity to showcase our smaller branches but on Wednesday 22 April we get to congratulate and celebrate Poverty Bay’s Charles and Jane Rau (Matawai Deer Park) who took out the deer industry’s Duncan NZ Environment Award last year.

Big Tick Day Out >>

Staying in the upper North Island and following closely from Matawai Deer Park’s field day is a Waikato branch initiative – the Big Tick Day Out – on Friday 24 April.

Next Generation 2026 >>

The NZDFA Next Generation Programme is in its 14th year of running and this year it’s the North Island’s turn to host our young farmers and industry professionals. Bay of Plenty and Waikato DFA branches will be jointly hosting the two-day programme that combines farm visits with exposure to the deer industry beyond the farm gate.

Seeka now available for use >>

Seeka, our new AI-powered knowledge tool, is now available for use on the Deer Hub section of the DINZ website. Seeka is designed to put decades of deer research right at farmers’ fingertips.