Deer

RD&E investment for the deer industry is a focus of AgriFutures Australia because deer farming is a specialised, diversified livestock sector with clear opportunities to lift profitability and long‑term resilience through targeted RD&E.

Deer farming in Australia today primarily supports velvet and venison production, with many businesses also operating as part of broader livestock enterprises and agritourism—showing the industry’s diversification and potential to strengthen regional economies. The industry is geographically dispersed, relatively small, and faces challenges including market development, scaling, technical efficiency and limited processing options—particularly for venison.

The Program’s goals are outlined in the AgriFutures Deer Program RD&E Plan – focus on accelerating profitable, sustainable production, identifying domestic and export market opportunities and supply chain constraints, and building consumer trust and demand for premium products.

The main products from deer farming in Australia are velvet and venison (meat); red deer are mainly farmed for velvet, while fallow deer are primarily raised for venison.

In addition to venison, deer farming also produces several co-products, including:

• Antler velvet: Used in traditional medicine and health supplements.
• Skins, tails, sinews, pizzles and blood: Can be sold into a range of markets, including leather/hide goods, pet food/treats, meal/fertiliser, etc.
• Leather & hides: Processing for high-quality leather goods.
• Agritourism: Recreational and wildlife-related tourism operations.
• Enterprise diversity: some livestock producers diversify their income by running deer alongside sheep and/or cattle.

A whole-of-animal approach to deer production improves profitability and strengthens the value of investing in Australian deer farming. These strategies create additional income streams and help build stronger connections between deer producers and the Australia communities.

Deer and venison harvesting in Australia is considered a sustainable livestock industry when managed under responsible farming practices. Australian deer farming typically requires less land and feed compared to some traditional livestock systems, making it a relatively efficient protein production option. Ethical breeding, low-stress handling, and best-practice animal welfare standards underpin the sector, while environmental management guidelines help prevent overgrazing and land degradation.

The AgriFutures Deer Program RD&E Plan sets out the strategic research, development and extension priorities for Australia’s deer industry, focusing on practical actions that help producers improve productivity and access new markets, which will strengthen both long-term sustainability and industry viability.

At the Program level, AgriFutures is committed to presenting accurate, credible, balanced and up‑to‑date information on industry practices and to demonstrate the quality, traceability and sustainability of deer farming in Australia.

A great starting point is to read the AgriFutures Deer Program RD&E Plan to understand the Program goal, priorities and what kinds of RD&E activities are funded.

For ongoing updates – current and past contracted projects, Program updates, project outcomes and extension activities are regularly shared on the AgriFutures website, social media platforms and other official communications channels.

For more industry-related resources and contacts, visit the Deer Industry Association of Australia.