NZ Deer Industry Conference Builds on Confidence

NZ Deer Industry Conference Builds on Confidence

Newly elected NZ Deer Farmers’ Association (NZDFA) Chairman, Bill Taylor (Southland), described the annual meeting mood as confident with delegates now focusing on the issues that will shape their future investments and activity in the industry.

Delegates held a spirited debate on representation, eventually deciding against a call for direct voting and endorsing the current electoral college, Selection and Appointments Panel process to appoint their producer representatives to the Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) Board.

Most animated discussions were reserved for the traceability issues centering on the ‘when and why’ behind the National Animal ID and Traceability Group’s (NAIT) moves to develop an electronic identification scheme for cattle and deer. Delegates solidly support the need for traceability, citing the current system that works now as adequate, but will progress to new technology in time. The AGM however sent a clear message that mandating RFID as the basis for future individual animals’ ID and movements would require full industry buy in following consultation and consensus rather than being an imposition. Deer farmers remain skeptical that a biosecurity rationale behind NAIT that doesn’t include sheep and pigs has little credibility for NZ Inc.

Delegates solidly supported the need and development for industry focus farms and the drive to improve productivity, based around the NZDFA Branch structure and the Meat & Wool New Zealand Monitor Farms model, but did call for solid Deer Industry New Zealand financial backing to support local ownership funding and sponsorship.

The AGM also supported a call to review velvet grading systems, endorsed a policy that will lead to closer associations in sustainable farming and environment with initiatives from organisations like the Sustainable Land Use Research Initiative and science based programmes from regional councils. Industry’s progress tackling Johne’s disease was also a hot topic with delegates supporting calls for incorporating better diagnostic tests into Tb ancillary testing, and encouragement to further refine a proposed voluntary Johne’s disease herd status classification proposal for industry consultation.

Discussion amongst NZDFA Branch Chairmen also revolved around the actions of South Island sheep farmer action groups, and as a result the NZDFA Executive Committee supports any initiatives that achieve greater co-operation in the processing and marketing of New Zealand meat products by our major Processor/Exporters.

Taylor said “The DINZ and company presentations indicating reasonable venison and velvet prospects set a positive tone for the coming season, which was followed by a presentation of the mechanics of how the Industry alternative velvet selling concept, Velconz will work”.

Taylor believed that delegates were impressed by the positive and supportive presentation by PGG Wrightson’s Group Manager Strategy, Craig Osborne on how his company sees the value in such a system.

The Waikato Branch based conference held last week, themed “Innovate” also featured a solid diet of superbly presented venison dishes, velvet as a food appetiser, and concluded with a highlight tour of Waikato’s innovative Agribusiness, AgResearch on venison quality and video imaging for yield, Livestock Improvement Corporation for the latest in genetic improvement and selection in dairy and deer and Gallagher Group for an in depth review of traceability technology and innovation in electronics.

Bill Taylor summed up three eventful days saying “This conference marks the return to the positive and was a great boost to NZDFA and industry confidence. I’m looking forward to industry sustainability and better results, improving deer farmer returns, and a stronger DFA as local branches regain their strength and enthusiasm.”

ENDS

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