While other farming sectors might have experienced an unsettled year, deer farming is a "shining light" for Hawke's Bay.
Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers president Will Foley said although it been a good year for most farmers, many were feeling quite anxious about medium term forecasting prices. However prices for both venison and velvet were at good highs.
Although there were far more farmers involved with sheep, beef, and dairy, Mr Foley said deer farmers "that have stuck with it are seeing the rewards at the moment".
One is Ben Gaddum who has been farming deer since 1985, and manages Tuapae Farms near Kereru, alongside members of his family. The series of properties which make up the farms hold around 5000 eastern red deer who roam free- as well as 800 cattle, and 950 ewes.
Recently the deer sector had been doing really well, Mr Gaddum said, perhaps due to a shortage of supply.