Offering achieves 100 per cent clearance and a 24 per cent increase on last season

Judging by the reaction of buyers at a December stag sale in Taihape, deer farmers are not discouraged by the drop in international demand for venison that has occurred due to much of the global hospitality sector having to lock down during the pandemic.

Paul Hughes of Ruapehu Red Deer offered 38 lots in a sale that achieved a 100 per cent clearance, a top price of $12,500 and an average of $7,026, up from $5,679 at the corresponding 2019 sale.

Interest in the sale was expanded nationwide, the offering going out via online platform bidr. Three stags sold via the bidr live-stream, along with numerous online bids throughout the sale. An enthusiastic local gallery attended in person, securing the balance of purchases.

Farmers are still anxious to obtain premium genetics. Paul Hughes has some of the best available, and the market is not veering away from spending money on quality sires. Buyers know that having the best genetics in their herds will put them on the front foot when international demand for venison revives.

Gareth Williams PGG Wrightson Manawatu Sheep & Beef Representative