In early 1970 the few pioneer deer farmers were being watched while they learnt the techniques of domesticating the wild deer. Deer farmers are still being watched though most are not now pioneers. The systems have been studied, learnt and basically understood. The last 10 years have seen rapid growth in numbers of farmers involved and animals kept. Local Mid and South Canterbury figures have increased dramatically (Table 1). Nationally 2,000 (plus) operators farm 200-250 thousand deer. Does that have 38,000 farmers still not involved? To those early into the business have come the financial rewards they deserve. For them, there was little information from research, less from advisory services and much sceptiscim from financiers and fellow farmers. Fortunately this has changed. Many MAF personnel, veterinarians, researchers and stock and station people are well qualified to assist the potential deer farmer
