Industry: Deer Farming
Gross value of production |
$0.88 m |
Number of growers |
40 |
Number employed |
40 |
Current annual production |
4500 animals |
1. Description of Product:
Venison meat
Antler velvet
Skins
Other by-products including deer tails, sinews and pizzles for Asian pharmaceutical market.
2. Location of the Industry:
A number of deer farms (roughly estimated to be approximately 40) throughout North East Victoria, and also in central Victoria, and north of Murray River.
There has been a decline in the number of smaller growers and those remaining in the industry tend to be larger business operators (rather than hobby farmers), although many deer farmers have off farm employment.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements:
a. Number of Producers:
Roughly estimated to be 40 producers.
b. Number Regularly Employed:
40 (again rough estimate).
4. Annual Production:
At this stage it is difficult to estimate annual production. Most animals are processed through processing works at Wodonga, but throughput from North East region cannot be identified accurately. However, for the purpose of survey an estimate of 80-100/week has been used.
5. Value of Product:
Processed venison meat retails for $18/kg.
Skins $20 each
Antler Velvet $120-130/kg.
The estimate of $880,000 GVP for the industry is based on 4000-5000 animals slaughtered, and selling for $2.00-2.40/kg.
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
This industry is moving cautiously out of a period of decline. Improvement in outlook related to the industry accessing the export market, and the rise in farm gate price of Venison meat ($2.50/kg this year compared with $1.80/kg last year). If price rise is sustained industry will grow but producers are cautious.
b. Potential:
There is an export demand for venison meat (eg. Muslim markets). This region is yet to produce sufficient meat to establish steady market opportunities. Growth is limited by the number of breeding females.
Extracted from the Bright Report
