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THE CERVID INDUSTRY
It's an exciting time in the cervid industry, it has come a long way since its explosive growth in the 1990's. Few industries give as many avenues to sell your product as the cervid industry. A meat market has developed the last decade that is commanding prices and the demand for meat is strong. Velvet prices have also increased steadily and have held in the $30 per lbs rage for the last three years and indications from the international markets the demand will continue. Breeding stock and harvest preserves are commanding healthy prices for good quality animals. Hard antler has become more popular in recent years with the surge in home decor and dog chews.
Saskatchewan allows a wide variety of animals to be farmed, including white tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and reindeer. If you are interested in farming cervids, contact Sask. Ag to receive an information package on raising these animals.
The SCA has produced great brochure on the economics of elk and deer farming. This is an accurate peek into costs associated with the industry and income potential. Now is a great time to be in the industry. Take a look at the brochures below!
Saskatchewan allows a wide variety of animals to be farmed, including white tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and reindeer. If you are interested in farming cervids, contact Sask. Ag to receive an information package on raising these animals.
The SCA has produced great brochure on the economics of elk and deer farming. This is an accurate peek into costs associated with the industry and income potential. Now is a great time to be in the industry. Take a look at the brochures below!
Economics of Elk Farming
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Economics of Deer Farming
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NORELKO
Norelko is a Saskatchewan Co-op of elk producers that purchases velvet for local and international sales.
Elk velvet is used to create dietary supplement that helps with:
Elk velvet is used to create dietary supplement that helps with:
- Joint Health
- Muscle strength
- Immune health
- Blood circulation
- Anti-inflammatory
- General tonic
Basics to Starting an Cervid Farm
The basics to to think about when starting a cervid farm:
- Land
- Fence
- Handling facility
- Animals
- Feed (hay bales, and either grain or pellets)
- Permits and registration
Research and Information for Starting a Cervid Farm
- Meat Market
- Velvet Market
- Hunting/Trophy Animals
Where do you find additional information and answers to those questions? The websites listed below are a good start and as well as contacting associations and producers.
- What is the legal status in your province
- What are the minimum legal requirements that must be met to be able to farm with cervids; land, fence, registration, ect
- What resources are necessary for me to set up as a cervid farm
- What is the general outlook on the cervid industry
- How do I plan to generate revenue and which ones will be my main focus?
- Meat Market
- Velvet Market
- Hunting/Trophy Animals
Where do you find additional information and answers to those questions? The websites listed below are a good start and as well as contacting associations and producers.
Why Raise Cervid?
Love For The Animals
- Many producers love the animals from hunting or just general interest in the animal
- Having cervids can spread the risk of farming/ranching whether you have grain or other livestock. Markets are never reliable but cervids can provide more stability
- Farming cervids provides you with an income possibility that has remained stable for many years and does not dramatically fluctuate like many other industries
- Elk require little/minimal labour and mostly look after themselves, they are a good choice for a hobby or a side gig