What makes a Forester stag ideal to breed replacement hinds? – and the easy cashflow option for farmers to defer payment on stag acquisitions.

Looming large on the deer industry calendar, Peel Forest Estate’s upcoming on-farm Forrester Sire Sale, scheduled for 12 December, should test the strength of the market as farmers anticipate better times for venison.

Mark Tapley is Peel Forest managing director and stud manager. He says the sale, which will offer around 50 of the estate’s Forester stags, will set deer farmers up to improve and boost their lines of replacement hinds.

“There are sound reasons for deer farmers to be optimistic. Once again, venison is starting to return good money for farmers, meaning those who depleted their herds over the past few years are now anxious to re-populate them.

“The essence of the Forester is to breed replacement hinds. We’ve done a lot of work developing the right sire to produce these: a hardy, fertile animal, resistant to parasites, with superior growth rates, confirmation, constitution, eye muscle, and easy temperament.

“Although the Forester is predominantly a venison stag, we have also bred in velvet genetics. Adding velvet to the breeding herd’s maternal line increases the amount of spiker velvet the male progeny cuts, adding more value to the animal. Meanwhile the sire stag himself also pays his way with greater velvet revenue over the years,” says Mark.

Using predominantly pure English, plus some German blood lines to produce well balanced progeny, Peel Forest Estate generates plenty of repeat business from farmers returning for stags year on year, as Mark explains.

“Our philosophy is not just about chasing growth rates, which can become too narrow-minded. Especially on tougher country, you need to balance all facets, not growth at the exclusion of all else.

“Temperament for easy handling is a strong feature. Rather than using up energy being flighty, our animals are bred to get on and grow. Handling these sire stags through the yards is a breeze,” he says.

bidr is also part of the Peel Forest formula, with around quarter of lots at this sale historically going through bidr, purchased by farmers throughout the country.

The latest product for PGG Wrightson Deer clients is Defer-A-Stag. With Defer-A-Stag farmers attending the Peel Forest Estate sire sale, and other stag sales this season, will have an easy and flexible opportunity to defer sire payments. Capped at $10,000 plus GST per animal, with a maximum of four animals per client, Defer-A-Stag is available exclusively to PGG Wrightson account holders. To find out more, talk to a member of the PGG Wrightson Deer team now.

Let's talk Livestock! Contact your local rep to explore opportunities tailored to your farming goals.