Mar 2, 2023
Noticeboard
- Final call for Industry Positions: nominations close 31 March
- 2023 Awards and Competitions
- 2023/24 NZDFA Membership Invoices
- DINZ Update: Annual Report and new DINZ Board Observer
- Production Feature: Matin management of hinds
- Joke of the Month
Events
- 2023 Deer Industry Conference, Ashburton, 10 May 2023
- Mark your calendars: 2023 National Velvet & Trophy Competition and 2024 CK Import Export Rising Stars
Noticeboard
Final call for Industry Positions: nominations close 31 March
This is a busy year for NZDFA appointed positions as we have five positions becoming available by rotation (appointment by nomination and election, if necessary):
- Two NZDFA Selection and Appointments Panel (SAP) members
- Three NZDFA Executive Committee members
The following members are up for re-election or retirement:
- Leith Chick (SAP, appointed 2022 for 12-month term) - not seeking re-election
- Donald Whyte (SAP, appointed 2021)
- Justin Stevens (EC, appointed, 2021) - seeking re-election
- Mark McCoard (EC, appointed 2021)
- Jamie Ward (EC, appointed 2022 for 12-month term)
The NZDFA needs leaders to maintain an effective voice for farmers at the industry level, pan-agricultural sector level and with regional and central government so we encourage you to think about any of these positions.
There is also a position coming up for a producer appointed member on the DINZ board with the retirement of Kris Orange by rotation.
Nomination forms can be found on the website here: deernz.org/nzdfa/about/nzdfa-nomination-forms-and-constitutional-information
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If you would like to indicate your interest, or talk to someone in confidence about these positions, please get in touch with NZDFA Returning Officer Lindsay Fung on lindsay.fung@deernz.org or 027 668 0141. If you would like to discuss the positions with a current member to get an understanding of firsthand experience, please click here for contact details >> |
AGM Remits
If there are any remits to be tabled at the upcoming AGM (10 May, Ashburton), these must be submitted by Tue 18 April to lindsay.fung@deernz.org
2023 Awards and Competitions
NZDFA Matuschka Award
The New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association “Matuschka Award” recognises the grass roots farmer and unsung contributor to local area activities, functions and core spirit of deer farming.
Nominations should be made through the appropriate Branch or can be direct to the convenor. There is no set format or form to nominate someone. The nominations can be informal, from individuals or Branch nominations or industry groups, or have a nomination endorsed by the branch or other individuals and it’s not necessary to advise a candidate of the nomination.
For more information, head to deernz.org/matuschka-award
Nominations must be submitted to the NZDFA via lindsay.fung@deernz.org no later than two weeks before the Annual Conference (e.g. Mon 24 April).
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2023 Biennial Environmental Awards |
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“Deer farmers are known for taking pride in their animals and environment. This year, more than ever, your participation in the awards will demonstrate the industry’s ongoing commitment to sustainable farming and high-quality food production,” she says. "Often farmers think they aren't ready - but the reality is that as long as you have a commitment to healthy, happy deer in a healthy, clean environment, you are ready." The awards were conceived by Sir Peter and Fiona Lady Elworthy 20 years ago and are typically held every two years. Recipients have spanned the full range of deer farm systems – from high country stations to intensive finishing farms – and geographic spread, from Southland to Waikato. Click here for application forms and competition information >> |
DINZ environmental policy manager Sara Elmes is strongly encouraging deer farmers who are proud of the environmental work they have done on their farms to enter the 2023 Deer Industry Environmental Awards. Entries close at 4 pm on Friday 10 March.Deer Industry Award
The Deer Industry Award is an annual award presented each year to the person, persons jointly, or organisation who, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most outstanding contribution to the New Zealand deer industry, either in the previous year, or over a period of years.
The selection panel is made up of three judges who are the nominees of the following organisations: Countrywide Magazine (NZ Farm Life Media), The NZ Deer Farmers' Association (Inc) and Porter Holdings Ltd.
A updated entry form for 2023 will be uploaded here when ready: deernz.org/deer-industry-award
2023 MSD Allflex Deer Industry Photo Competition
Last year's competition saw some spectacular entries from all over New Zealand making the job of judging a very difficult one. Many of the images you would have seen featured in the industry's magazine, Deer Industry News and on deernz.org
There are some great prizes on offer, including;
- $500 cash prize for the first-place winner
- Category winner cash prizes
- Premium gift pack for "People's choice" award
- Framed photos of winning photographs
Entries open now! Competition closes 5pm, Wednesday 12 April 2023. Click here for more information >>
Please note that this competition is for amateur photographers only. Professional photographers, who derive income from photography, are not eligible to enter. Also please ensure that photos from phone cameras are of a high quality and can be viewed clearly on a large display screen.
| 2023/24 NZDFA Membership Invoices |
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The next subscription year starts on 1 April 2023 and membership invoices will be heading out later in the month/early April. This year we will be sending out invoices via email for all those we have email addresses for. You will still need to pay via bank transfer and a reminder that BNZ does not accept cheques. If you are not currently a member and would like to be, please email cenwynn.philip@deernz.org to be added to the list. |
DINZ Update
Annual Report
The 2021/22 Deer Industry Annual Report is now available online. The report highlights increases in export returns for velvet (25%) and venison (12%) in the 2021-2022 season alongside the Nature’s Superpower™ story and development of the new focus and direction for industry investment.
New DINZ Board Observer
Hamish Glendinning
Pāmu Foods’ head of commercial, Hamish Glendinning has been appointed as the 2023 DINZ Board observer.
Part of Hamish's portfolio has been the award-winning Pāmu Deer Milk and he is hugely passionate about the deer industry.
Read more in the February DINZ eNews here >>
Production Feature: Mating management of hinds
Management of hinds around mating is mostly about ensuring that they are in good body condition and are provided a low-stress environment.
BCS and conception in adult hinds
Body Condition Score (BCS) is a very useful tool for farmers to manage adult hind nutrition. BCS has been shown to be intimately tied into both the timing of conceptions and the actual conception rate. In fact studies have shown that late conceptions and barrenness often go together, especially when associated with difficult summer and autumn feed conditions.
Effects of weaning on conception
Lactation does not seem to exert a direct negative effect on conception date or on barrenness through ovulation failure. However, it can exert a major effect on BCS and, thus, indirectly influence reproductive success.
Reduce stress over mating
There is growing evidence that chronic (long-term, continued) stress on hinds over the mating period can delay conceptions by up to 10 days.
Read more on this at deernz.org.nz/deer-hub/breeding/hinds/mating-management-of-hinds >>
Events
2023 Deer Industry Conference
Please mark Wednesday 10 May in your calendars for a trip to Ashburton.
More details to follow and will be uploaded to deernz.org/home/events
The Branch Chairs will also meet on the Tuesday afternoon, 9 May.
The highlight of the conference will be the awards dinner on the Wednesday evening and will feature presentations to the winners of the Matuschka, Deer Industry, and Environmental Awards as well as announcing the winners of the MSD Photo Competition.
Mark your calendars
2023 41st National Velvet & Trophy Competition
The 2023 Awards Night has been confirmed for Friday 8th of December. Contact southlanddeerbranch@gmail.com for any enquiries.
2024 CK Import Export Rising Stars
Saturday 9th March 2024 in Te Awamutu Hosted by Waipa Branch NZDFA. Early entries will be accepted for the 2024 CK Import Export Rising Stars Competition up until 10th March 2023 for Hard Antler heads not cut before the 2023 Competition. Contact campbell.clarke@xtra.co.nz or 07 873 2785.
