Farm Diversification

Farmed venison is mainly consumed in the UK, although the quantity is very small in terms of total meat consumption.

However, consumption of venison in the UK has increased and demand is strong for this low fat meat. A number of outlets exist for individual producers, including: slaughter on farm for sale via farm shop, direct to restaurants, mail order or at farmers' markets, etc. or direct sale to processors; or sale through marketing groups.

Recently the Scottish Venison Partnership report thet Scotland needs up to a further 500 deer farms in order to take advantage of the ever increasing demand for venison. They reported that between 2006 and 2009 UK demand for venison rose 34% to £43 million in 2009. However, The Guardian report that of the 3,500 tonnes of Scottish venison sold each year that only 50 tonnes come from farmed deer, with 1,000 tonnes coming from imports from New Zealand and Europe.

Fencing does not have to be as strong for stag calves as for adult deer. Perimeter fencing should have a minimum height of 1.7m. Internal fencing should be 1.5m high. 

Specialist handling areas for holding weighing and dosing are required.  Covered yards are required for over-wintering calves, with high pen divisions, allowing at least 2m sq/head and 35cm trough length/head for the first winter).

Average daily liveweight gain from purchase to slaughter 0.15 kg/day varying through the season.

Stocking rate of 10 - 20 stag calves/hectare, depending on the grass growing potential and the level of concentrates fed.

• The main capital costs are handling yards and fencing.  Allow around £3,000 - £5,000 upwards.
• Perimeter fencing £10/metre.
• Internal fences around £7/metre.
• Calf winter housing £40-50/m sq.
• Store calves bought in September/October for around £2.00-2.50/kg, at 40 - 45kg.
  

• 75-100kg concentrates/head/annum at around £180-220/tonne to supplement silage in winter is required.  Concentrate level varies according to available winter fodder, ie hay, turnips, etc.  Additional supplementary feeding during the summer grazing may also be required (around 10-15kg/head).
• Vet and medicine £6/head.
• Other expenses inc. transport £10-12/head.

Average liveweight of stags at slaughter is 100kg (deadweight 56kg) at 15 - 18 months old. 

An average sale price to abattoir or marketing group of about £3.50-4.00/kg in the autumn could be expected.  Farm gate sales direct to consumers and caterers may increase the sale price considerably. 

The margin achieved will be very dependent both on costs of production and the difference between the purchase price of the calf and the selling price of the finished animal. 

Using the above assumptions a gross margin of around £100 per head before forage costs could be budgeted.  Forage costs may amount to £15-20 per head, depending on grass quality, stocking rate etc.

Supply of weaned stag calves may be limited. Most finished calves come onto the market in the autumn resulting in price competition.

The harvesting of antler velvet from live animals is prohibited in the UK. Stags cannot be transported when in velvet, ie in May - June. Direct marketing/retailing can result in substantial additional cost and time input.

Must adhere to various movements, tagging, welfare and disease legislation which can be found on Defra's website.

Contact the British Deer Farms and Parks Association or LANTRA

Through the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) 2007-2013 funding is now available for rural businesses throughout Scotland for diversification and renewable energy projects. Specifically, support is delivered through Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities which was launched in April 2008. For further information about what support is available see the Section on Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities.