Encouragement for deer farmers as supply-demand equation works in favour of venison prices, though patience necessary as access to China delayed . 

For seasonal reasons, the price of venison is steadily increasing. As demand grows and some farmers have retained hinds, slaughter numbers are down 12.8 per cent compared to last year. These factors have helped push farmer minimum price contracts above $10.30 per kilogram. 

A growing market for bigger cuts and elk meat in North America is also sustaining longer term pricing trends. South Canterbury’s significant deer population means the closure of the Alliance Smithfield plant is a real concern. Trucking to Lorneville is not an attractive option. Space for older velvet stags will be tight, so farmers are advised to prepare by liaising with the PGG Wrightson deer team, and with their supply partners.

Access to China, and delays to an agreement to ease access while import factories undergo reinspection, is impeding velvet sales and contracts. Although growers need patience in the short term, when an official regulatory pathway into China is eventually secured it will put New Zealand velvet in a much stronger position than in previous years, fully realising the value of the Veltrak traceability and NVSB standards that support the industry. 

Hard antlers are currently selling between $33 and $43 per kilogram net, while buttons are $50 per kilogram. PGG Wrightson Velvet fully insures and does not charge for storage from the time of receipt. We are grading as normal in preparation for sales, with payment within seven days.