The latest deer Industry survey shows our national herd has reduced to 1.3 million, with the breeding base becoming smaller. The total number of farms with deer on them declined 29.6% from 4335 in 2002 to 3051 in 2007. The breeding herd indicated by the survey stood at 622,000 R2 and M/A hinds. The number of weaners from the 2007 population was about 533,000 which shows an industry fawning % of 72% which shows the potential for production increases on farm. The farm size and composition is very similar to previous surveys. Average herd size is 560 animals farmed on about 144 hectares. 42% of the surveys respondees indicated they were predominantly deer farms with the balance partaking in a mixed livestock operation on an average of 730ha. The trend of more hinds being slaughtered than stags is continuing but at a much slower rate. The last significant retention of hinds was in 2002 when a 113,000 fewer hinds were slaughtered than stags. With venison prices at record levels the industry's challenge is to return to growth with more females retained, without blowing out demand and pricing venison out of the market.
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