Jul 13, 2026
The Return of DEER101
Farming in the South Canterbury area will come under more scrutiny next winter as winter grazing regulations become operational. This season Environment Canterbury (ECan) have been conducting flyovers to get a feel for winter grazing practices and identify any areas of concern. The South Canterbury/North Otago branch of the NZDFA has been active in helping deer farmers prepare winter grazing plans through workshops and in June hosted ECan and MPI (animal welfare) staff onto two farms to view and discuss winter grazing good management practices for deer.
Deer on kale, with leaves browsed first and room to move
Eighteen hardy souls braved a biting southerly to see deer grazing and ask the farmers on hand about all things deer. The main take home messages were that deer behave and feed very differently to cattle and sheep and when given enough room to spread out (both in the break and in neighbouring paddocks), there is very little environmental impact or animal welfare issues.
The day finished up with a welcome venison BBQ (thanks to Duncan NZ). Our thanks go to Angie Blair and David Earl for hosting the visitors and Danette McKeown for organising the day.
