Aug 14, 2026
The Next Next Generation – Marlborough DFA
On 16 and 24 June, the Marlborough Branch of the New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association hosted two groups of Year 11 students from Marlborough Boys’ College as part of the community engagement program.
The visits provided students with an opportunity to learn about deer farming in Marlborough and the many factors that contribute to the success of the industry in our region. Topics covered included why we farm deer and, in particular, why velvet production is an important part of many farming businesses. Discussions explored the people involved in the industry, its history, financial considerations, family and generational farming, environmental and social aspects, cultural influences, and public perceptions of deer farming. We also talked about career opportunities and the NZDFA Next Generation program.
Students also learned about the unique conditions that make Marlborough well suited to deer farming. This included the influence of topography, soil types and rainfall patterns. We discussed how seasonal changes affect deer, including the relationship between the annual roar, reduced feed demand, and the natural shrinking of the deer’s stomach during winter.
The session highlighted the practical realities of farming deer in Marlborough, including transport links to processors and markets, the importance of export markets throughout Asia—particularly China and Korea—and the storage and shipping requirements associated with velvet. We also explored how deer farming fits within the wider Marlborough farming landscape, including how farmers can work around the busy seasonal demands of the viticulture industry. Deer farming provides an effective way to spread risk and make productive use of hilly land that is less suited to grape production.
As in previous years, one of the highlights for the students was seeing and handling antlers, seeing stags up close and touring the deer shed. These hands-on experiences generated plenty of interest and questions and helped bring the classroom learning to life.
The Marlborough Branch greatly values the opportunity to engage with the local students.
Geoff Hayes
Marlborough Branch
