Business Rural Winter 2021

| 61 DEER » Melior: Tom Macfarlane M elior director Tom Macfarlane believes that despite the real impact Covid-19 has had on the venison industry in the past year, that long term there could be a silver lining. Typically the peak chilled season is in the fourth quarter of the year in September/October when venison prices tend to spike due to demand from the hospitality industry, attracting a 25% premium last year. “Previously around 80% of our venison market was food service so Covid-19 has forced the industry to look at other markets such as retail and online. This will take a while to develop but over time could result in better and steadier venison prices over the year as well as more regular cash flow. It could also give farmers flexibility in terms of when they choose to grow out stock,” he says. Melior comprises two properties – an 800ha commercial breeding and finishing unit with 5500 head of deer - and a 490ha stud breeding base in Balfour, Southlandcarrying 1300 stud hinds, 500 stags and 1200 yearling progeny. The two proper- ties work hand in hand and are run by Tom and wife Sam. Signifying their belief in the industry, the lease of a new property has even been taken on to expand Melior’s commercial operation. Melior genetics have played a big part in the suc- cess of their commercial operation and they focus on producing the fastest growing venison genetics on offer. Tom says this has proved a good invest- ment as even in tougher times they still maximise their income producing capability. Melior runs two red deer breeding programmes - High Growth Rate and 50% English. The high growth rate programme focuses on fast growth rate red deer genetics without compromis- ing on productivity, constitution and temperament. Tom says that Melior has a big long term-vision and remains passionate about helping clients grow their businesses and therefore remains commit- ted to continually evolving the Melior breeding Photos: Melior holds its in-calf hind sale on July 6, when around 400 in-calf rising two-year-old and rising-three-year-old red hinds offered to the market. Melior director Tom Macfarlane and wife Sam. Covid forces rethink on venison markets Karen Phelps programme further. That’s why Melior has continued to invest in its breeding programme during the pan- demic placing its clients and its own commercial operation in a good position for the future. Tom says clients that have continued to invest will reap the benefits further down the track and that the results of the breeding programme are really starting to show through in the likes of sale prices. “We are giving our commercial clients certainty that with our genetics in the mix, their progeny will be efficient converters of feed and therefore finish earlier and heavier.” Melior has its annual in-calf hind sale coming up on 6 July at the Canterbury property at Gudex Road, which will see approximately 400 in-calf rising two- year-old and rising-three-year-old red hinds offered to the market. Tom says they have been bred for venison production and are in-calf to 30+ (12 month weight) breeding value red stags, which have also been bred for the same purpose. The catalogue will be available closer to the sale at melior.nz