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The Economics & Methods of Farming High Quality Deer
Alberta has many diverse livestock species within its rural economy. This is a direct result of farmers searching for new ways to support declining profits in today's tough agricultural markets. Since 1992, Albertans have looked to the whitetail deer and the mule deer as a way to diversify their farms. The deer industry has had many ups & downs during its growth, but has developed into a viable alternative to traditional livestock
These videos on the economics & methods of farming high quality deer review the following topics:
Agro-tourism
Agro-tourism, as it relates to deer farming, is currently the largest market available to deer breeders. Cervid Harvest Preserves, or CHPs for short, bring millions of dollars to Canada's economy - both directly to the farming community and indirectly to the service industries such as hotels and restaurants via trophy hunters' travel expenses.
Agro-tourism, as it relates to deer farming, is currently the largest market available to deer breeders. Cervid Harvest Preserves, or CHPs for short, bring millions of dollars to Canada's economy - both directly to the farming community and indirectly to the service industries such as hotels and restaurants via trophy hunters' travel expenses.
Breeding Markets
The breeding market is critical to the success of both the deer farmer and the CHP (Cervid Harvest Preserve) operator. The demand for large antler trophy deer has increased over the past several years and deer breeders must strive to meet these increasing demands by continuing to improve the genetic foundation of their herds.
The breeding market is critical to the success of both the deer farmer and the CHP (Cervid Harvest Preserve) operator. The demand for large antler trophy deer has increased over the past several years and deer breeders must strive to meet these increasing demands by continuing to improve the genetic foundation of their herds.
Management Techniques
The management of deer has greatly improved over time. And although there is still much to be learned about this topic, today's techniques are widely used by all successful deer breeders. These management techniques can be broken down into 3 core groups:
The management of deer has greatly improved over time. And although there is still much to be learned about this topic, today's techniques are widely used by all successful deer breeders. These management techniques can be broken down into 3 core groups:
- nutrition
- vaccinations
- stress
Benefits of Superior Genetics
Genetic lines in today's deer industry are very predictable. This means that through proper genetic selection and calling, the producer can improve his profit margins greatly. Input costs such as feed and vaccinations on most deer operations for bucks are very similar, averaging about $200 per buck per year.
Genetic lines in today's deer industry are very predictable. This means that through proper genetic selection and calling, the producer can improve his profit margins greatly. Input costs such as feed and vaccinations on most deer operations for bucks are very similar, averaging about $200 per buck per year.
Breeding Methods
The breeding of farm deer can be broken down into 3 methods:
The breeding of farm deer can be broken down into 3 methods:
- natural breeding
- cervical insemination
- laproscopic insemination
International Demands
The whitetail deer is the most widely hunted game animal in the world. The majority of hunters looking for trophy deer are from the United States. Over 30 million American hunters head out every fall in search of trophy deer.
The whitetail deer is the most widely hunted game animal in the world. The majority of hunters looking for trophy deer are from the United States. Over 30 million American hunters head out every fall in search of trophy deer.