Jul 2, 2021
As we approach the shortest day we are once again reminder of how influential mother nature is on our farming businesses. The recent flooding in the Canterbury and South Canterbury regions are a cruel reminder of this going from very dry conditions to a once in a 100-year flooding event effectively overnight. Our thoughts and support are with those farmers who are now in clean up mode and are attempting to repair their damaged infrastructure and adequately feed their animals during this recovery period. As we know various farming related agencies have been actively seeking to help those affected. In the case of the deer industry the NZDFA branch chairman of either Canterbury (Russell Rudd) or South Canterbury (Graham Peck) would be great starting points if an offer of either feed, clean up or infrastructure support is something you are kindly able to offer. Their contact details will be listed in this publication. Alternatively, you can contact your local branch chairman who will be able to assist with this process.
The next important fixture in the NZDFA Executive Committee calendar on the 28th & 29th of June where we will be joining four other elected experienced deer farmers as part of the Selection and Appointments Panel (SAP). This is to select a new DINZ board member to replace the recently retired William Oliver who has given great service to our industry over the past six years. This year we have five high quality candidates, so itwill be a very difficult process for the panel to undertake.
This year’s NZDFA Next Generation event is to be based around the Queenstown area on the 4th-5th of August. This is a great opportunity for newer or younger people working or associated with deer to get a wider perspective of the deer industry and meet other passionate people within it. We are still in the planning stage, but will have farm visits with various industry representatives supporting the on-farm discussions. We intend to be based in the Queenstown locality overnight for both accommodation and evening out. We will post all the updated details of the event on the website events page which will also be linked to the Next Generation Facebook page. This will include details of how to register, itinerary and accommodation options which we are looking to finalise shortly. If you have anyone in your branch that you think would get value from this event, please let them know and get the process rolling. Alternatively, you can call the DINZ office or your local branch chairman who will get any keen attendees pointed in the right direction.
I wish you well for the winter months ahead.
- Mark McCoard, NZDFA Committee Member
