Velvet Production Down - Quality Up

11/17/1998

The Game Industry Board has revised its velvet production estimates downwards for the 1998/99 season.

"Three developments mean we now expect less than our original forecast of 450 tonnes will be produced" said Rick Christie, Game Industry Board Chief Executive:

• A higher stag kill (especially of older, higher producing velveting stags) for the year to September 1998 compared to the previous year.
• Farmers removing velvet earlier than in previous seasons to maximise quality. This has been observed in early season’s product offered for sale.
• Culling after velvet removal which reduces volumes of lower quality regrowth on the market.

"Prior to the season, production was forecast to fall to 450 tonnes, but its now expected to be much lower again", said Mr Christie. "While problems still exist on the demand side of the equation, this further reduction in supply is a positive sign for the future of the market".

"Farmers must really be congratulated in terms of their focus on quality not quantity. By removing velvet earlier, farmers are not only reducing volume, but are also maximising the product’s quality. This is giving New Zealand’s reputation in the market an enormous lift" said Mr Christie.

For more information contact:MJ Loza Velvet Manager+64 4 474 0653 Mobile 021 993 389