Industry Conference a Roaring Success

5/30/2000

The Deer Industry Conference in Queenstown finished at the weekend as a big success. The Conference celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Deer Farmers Association and showcased an industry in very good heart.

The industry is enjoying a period of strong confidence and growth with industry export earnings up 6%, farm-gate venison returns up by almost 20% and velvet prices having almost trebled since last year’s record low. Demand from the industry’s major venison market, Germany, is strong and the Korean economy and market for velvet – the world’s largest velvet market – has recovered strongly. The Conference showed a maturing industry leading the world in areas of production, quality and animal welfare systems and venison and velvet market development, However, orderly growth and stable supply remain challenges for the industry.

Guest speakers during the Game Industry Board’s Formal Meeting included Hamish Carter, who talked about the benefits he gets from taking deer velvet, and Sarah Kennedy from Healtheries of NZ Ltd who provided a manufacturer’s perspective on velvet’s potential in the global marketplace.

A keynote paper from European food industry specialist Tom Steele was also presented at the meeting outlining recent developments and the potential for venison in European retail and foodservice markets.

Game Industry Board Chairman, Mr Clive Jermy, reported on the Board’s completion of a wide range of comprehensive reforms to structures, programmes and operational philosophies, resulting in the ‘Three Partners – One Vision" strategic intent released late last year. A core 5 year Strategic Plan based on this intent was released at Conference for all activities.

The Chairman said that the fundamental heart of Board operations going forward lays with industry unity and partnership, which now includes complete participation in the new European venison demand creation programme by all venison exporters. "The proactive and dynamic spirit of the industry is in good heart and well positioned to meet the challenges that sustained growth presents for the future" he said.

The key message for the industry from Game Industry Board Chief Executive Collier Isaacs, related to the industry’s need to manage growth. "The industry has a history of volatility that needs to be addressed to ensure sustainable profitable growth. Exporters have a role to play – in developing new markets for velvet outside Korea for example. Consistent, managed supply from producers is also critical. While farmers as individuals have limited control over industry growth, target guidelines of 10% growth in hinds and 5% growth in stags were developed to balance supply and demand".

Deer Farmers Association President David Stevens cited discussions on the industry’s research strategy as a major step forward arising from the Conference. "Based on industry consultation, its’ clear farmers are very supportive of industry research activities. We are looking at a formalised structure incorporating the Deer Farmers Association, GIB, science providers and government research funding agencies to ensure industry research needs are met in the most efficient way."

The 3 day Conference, attended by approximately 420 farmers, processor/exporters and industry associates, culminated in a 25th Anniversary Awards Dinner in Queenstown on Saturday night where annual awards were presented.

For more information please contact: David Stevens President, Deer Farmers Association Ph (03) 201 6330, Mob (025) 331 383 Collier Isaacs, Chief Executive Officer, NZ Game Industry Board Ph (04) 381 6011, Mob (025) 446 512