The estate’s velvet harvesting facilities are arguably the best in the world. There are three deer sheds across the property and a large sales complex.
Antler harvesting is carried out centrally, in a purpose-built building, where deer are comfortable and flow well with minimal stress. The 522 square metre facility has rubber matting underfoot and the harvesting area is lined with freezer panel walls, to ensure hygienic harvesting and processing.
Peel Forest Estate’s 9000 deer are fully recorded using electronic ear tags. In this way, every facet of their health, weight, herd grouping, pedigree traits and activity are recorded using the latest technology.
In addition to electronic records, every stick of velvet is photographed – primarily for breeding purposes – but, in this way, velvet can also be traced back to the stag of origin.
Each stick of velvet is traceable back to the individual stag via an electronic barcode recording system and well as identified by MPI and Deer Industry New Zealand to the farm.
Peel Forest Estate’s 9000 deer are fully recorded using electronic ear tags. In this way, every facet of their health, weight, herd grouping, pedigree traits and activity are recorded.
The latest technology allows farm staff to monitor and administer stock movements on a digital map straight from their smart phone or tablet, as well as task management, feeding programmes and pastoral management.
It also assists with future decision making in relation to the development of the herd and farm management practices.