Venison prices are expected to continue their record-breaking run as high demand continues from key markets in Europe and North America.

The venison price schedule traditionally peaked in spring while demand from European markets was at its highest before easing off in November. Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) passion to profit manager Innes Moffatt said the schedule had surprised everyone by lifting post-Christmas.

New Zealand's TB free programme is reducing testing requirements for cattle and deer herds in a few areas of the North Island. The changes became effective from March 1.

OSPRI's TBfree programme divides the country into a number of disease control areas.

Each has different TB testing requirements and control measures depending on the level of risk of TB being transferred from infected wildlife (mainly possums) to cattle and deer. Intense TB testing, movement control and both ground and aerial pest control are used to stop the spread of TB.

New research from Lincoln University shows poor relationships between farmers and their meat processors could be costing New Zealand.

Dr Nic Lees, a senior lecturer at Lincoln University, said improving those relationships was essential to New Zealand producing higher value products that meet consumer needs.

He surveyed over 1000 sheep, beef and deer farmers. These three industries together make up 12% of New Zealand’s exports and currently contribute $5 billion a year to the New Zealand economy.

Silver Fern Farms has achieved a pass-mark profit turnaround but the business remains a work in progress, chairman Rob Hewett says.

“We’re not resting on our laurels, there’s still more to do,” he said after reporting an after-tax profit of $15.4 million for the Silver Fern Farms Ltd operating business in the year ended December 31, recovering from the tough trading conditions of a year earlier.

Venison prices are holding at their record levels, apparently some of the premiums being achieved are due to demand from US pet owners...

Former Central Otago boy Mark Mitchell has spent the past 30 years working in the meat industry in the United States, particularly as a pioneer for New Zealand venison.