Near record prices for venison in Europe are failing to translate into good returns at the farmgate because of the high dollar and meat companies are diversifying into other markets.
Deer Industry New Zealand venison marketing manager Innes Moffat said the prices received for venison in Europe were close to historical highs for some products, but farmgate margins were being removed by the low euro.
By Tim Cronshaw, stuff.co.nz
The New Zealand Deer Industry says a downturn in venison prices is being countered by strong growth in the use of deer velvet in health food products in Asia.
Deer Industry New Zealand is celebrating its 40th year in business at its annual conference in Napier; industry leaders said deer farming in New Zealand had come a long way in that time.
By Peter Fowler, Radio New Zealand News
New Zealand venison exporters have started a trial to test the appetite of European consumers for Cervena venison in the summer grilling season.
The trial, which began in April, is part of the Passion2Profit initiative that was formally launched today at the Deer Industry Conference in Napier. P2P is a joint venture between the deer industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) under the Primary Growth Partnership programme.
Deer Industry NZ Press Release – scoop.co.nz.
Deer industry trying to improve sector profitability by developing new markets.
The New Zealand dollar’s record-breaking run against the long-suffering euro has hit the local venison market hard because of its high exposure to Europe, but strong deer velvet prices have provided a partial offset for farmers.
By Jamie Gray, nzherald.co.nz
Brilliant velvet, weak venison prices.
It has been a tough start to the year for many non-velvet deer farmers, with dry conditions and a disappointing venison schedule combining to put pressure on pastures, budgets and patience.
Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) chair and Mid Canterbury farm advisor Andy Macfarlane urged deer farmers to remain proactive in managing both the feed situation and their budgets.
Deer Industry NZ Press Release, scoop.co.nz