Farm Diversification

Background
Culquoich Estate is a small mixed estate situated in Upper Donside, Aberdeenshire.  Farming is the main enterprise, with some forestry and let houses.  Deer farming is the core agricultural activity, with some spring barley grown.

Why Diversify
The farm was purchased in 2001 without stock or livestock subsidy.  The business owners looked at various different options and deer farming satisfied the objectives of being economical to set up and easy to manage with minimal labour.  By successfully applying for a Farm Business Development Scheme grant it was possible to fund the purchase of the deer, put up fences and a livestock shed; funding which was not available for other types of livestock at that time.

Researching the idea
Meeting established deer farmers and attending events organised by the British Deer Farmers Association provided useful information on the practicalities of farming deer as well as marketing opportunities.

Funding
The initial project was 50% funded by the Farm Business Development Scheme.

Business Establishment
Livestock was sourced from two local deer farms and some calves were also bought to provide animals to finish in the first year of production.  Initially venison sales were expected to be through the Scottish Farm Venison cooperative but direct sales of finished animals, as well as calves, developed to other farmer/processors.

Problems encountered
No specific problems were encountered, although it was clearly a steep learning curve for the first few years.  The advantage of deer is their easy-care nature and natural healthiness, as well as the surprising ease with which they can be handled in pens.  Another advantage that has become apparent is their low requirement for bedding straw and their diet, which is almost all home-grown forage.

Where the business is now
The deer farming enterprise has grown considerably in both area and deer numbers.  From an initial stock of 40 hinds, the business now has around 130 hinds.  The owners have also used improved genetics to increase the quality of the animals that are produced.  A recent SRDP grant has enabled a further 75 acres to be fenced, a new livestock building erected and hedges planted to provide shelter.  The business has also been a founder member of a group which is the dedicated UK venison supplier for Waitrose.  In addition to venison sales, the business is also increasingly involved in selling breeding animals in the UK and Europe.

Critical Success Factors
The huge increase in demand for high quality British venison in recent years has led to an enormous growth in the market.  Although some of this is met by wild deer, increasingly retailers are demanding the consistency and high quality provided by venison from farmed deer.  The business has been able to tap into that demand an now the support of a major partner, Waitrose, gives long-term confidence in the market.  Deer farming also fits well with other activities on the farm.

Contacts

• www.strathdondeer.co.uk
• www.deeruk.org
• www.waitrose.com/food/productranges/meat/specialistmeat.aspx