Dec 13, 2024
Executive Committee Report
In today’s fast paced world one thing that quite often comes up is communication is key. Talking and sharing information is easier now than ever before and even though the Marlborough Deer Farmers are a small NZDFA Branch we have been able to leverage that communication between members to work smarter not harder towards improved contracts that can benefit us now and into the future. One thing I would say is that if you do not ask for a better deal, you will never get one, my catch phrase is “I am highly motivated by price” and while my wife hates me saying it, this is the stark reality of business today.
Information and communication between farmers is also important as we are well into the current Velvet season we need to keep this going. Thinking back over the past 40 years that we have been growing Velvet and working with what I believe are the most intelligent of all farm animals, there have been many ups and downs in the market. My thoughts are that the downs have one thing in common, “Fear” the more fear and misinformation that can be spread may work to another’s advantage. This was also the same when I worked as a Wool Buyer in what were the Golden years for Wool in the late 1980’s and 1990’s.
This will most likely be my last Stagline as I will be standing down in May 2025 after 8 years on the NZDFA Executive. I would like to take this opportunity to which you well for the festive season and look forward to meeting with farmers in the New Year.
Justin Stevens, NZDFA Executive.
