blog

Jump in industry coverage

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 14:41:19 +1200

Another jump in industry coverage for the DeerPRO programme has highlighted statistics for the 2018-19 venison production season.

After several years of farmers steadily joining up for our services, last season continued strongly in the same direction.

As the season concludes, our DeerPRO reports will be going out with season summaries to nearly 500 farmers. Their stock represents 70% of the industry's venison production and 90% of the gradually declining number of deer identified with Johne's disease suspect lesions.

Our expanded coverage is a result of several factors. Firstly, there is a growing farmer awareness of the programme. There is also our efforts to contact new farmers, supported by the Deer Industry's Passion 2 Profit Primary Growth Partnership. On top of that there is the on-going tech-transfer work presenting the benefits of the programme to farmer and veterinary groups and events throughout the country. Collectively these initiatives are creating great results.

Our focus next season will be to grow on further still and keep looking ahead to support farmers and the wider industry in growing the worlds best red meat with the very highest degree of sustainability, profitability and ethical practice.

Spike in signs of Johne's disease

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 11:39:59 +1300

There has been an unusual spike in the signs of Johne's disease in deer processed late last season after several years of gradual decline. DeerPRO is investigating for any underlying cause. We are contacting farmers who processed animals during this period to discuss whether clinical cases of the disease are also becoming more common and what may have triggered them.

We strongly recommend all deer farmers refresh their vigilence on this issue and check rates of infection in their herd by blood testing a 'tail end' group or Still, as the new processing season begins we recommend any farmers seeing a tail end of poor performance in their weaners to immediately contact us or their local veterinarian to establish and treat the cause.

What can you do to avoid compounding or getting caught up in the situation?

Immediately cull deer clinically affected by Johne’s disease, especially in fawning mobs. A quiet walk (or ride) through those mobs now to remove any scouring skinny hinds could stop a productivity time bomb going off next season.
Maintain good biosecurity. Make sure purchased deer test negative for Johne’s before being mixed with your own stock.
Maintain a high level of herd health. Use the Deer Health Review booklet and your DeerPRO report, they’re freely available and there to help.
Be proactive. Call DeerPRO with any questions or for confidential advice and support (0800 456 453).

DeerPRO joins Deer Industry New Zealand

Fri, 02 Nov 2018 14:41:19 +1300

A new shift for DeerPRO has opened new opportunities for the programme to bring more value to the deer industry.

From October 1, 2018 DeerPRO has become a branded unit of Deer Industry New Zealand after twelve years as a stand alone company.

This will enable us to integrate our work more closely with other groups within the industry and better help Deer Industry New Zealand meet its overall goals, including those within the 'Passion 2 Profit' Primary Growth Partnership. The change will also facilitate cost savings and a more streamlined administration.

While our focus will remain on the monitoring and control of Johne's disease, plus our venison productivity reports we are excited to engage more with the diverse and critical workstreams that are helping prepare the deer industry for the future.

New additions to the Venison Productivity Reports

Fri, 25 May 2018 14:41:19 +1200

Just recently the Deer Industry annual conference gave DeerPRO the chance to talk first hand with many deer farmers about our Venison Productivity Reports.

Some great suggestions came up. It was really valuable to have the people using our material first hand giving us robust feedback on what they felt needed adding or removing.

We went back to the office and built the changes into our resources. The revised version of our main report is easier to use and more accurate as a result. See the Venison Productivity Info page on this website or click here for an example of our report for your deer.

Deer Health Review

Thu, 03 May 2018 11:39:59 +1200

DeerPRO congragulates the Deer Industry's P2P programme on the launch of its Deer Health Review guide. This is a comprehensive method for reviewing and optimising deer herd health, an essential part of achieving high levels of productivity.

A copy of the guide can be downloaded from their website.

Easiest hands-free info for your deer unit

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 11:39:59 +1300

Know the easiest way to get started with a Deer Health Review? Get our Venison Production Report (example) for your deer. A five year trend of your venison production with some handy benchmarks for reference. Email info@deerpro.org.nz for your report and join over 400 other deer farmers who get the easiest hands-free info on the performance of their deer unit at the end of every season.