In an earlier thread, about aspirations for 2019, I said I fancied deer fencing part of my farm and getting my own herd of fallow.
The more I think about it, the more attractive it seems!
Fencing costs are the stumbling block - I had hopes that Welsh Government might provide grant funding for this, on the basis that it would be a farm diversification project, but apparently not (although they may fund larder / food prep areas).
However, I could start small by just fencing a couple of fields, then increase the area year on year as the herd grows and as finances permit.
So, my question is, how easy is it to buy deer? I buy and sell livestock on a regular basis, but no experience of the same with deer. Say I wanted half-a-dozen does and a buck? Where could I find them? I'd want animals that were used to being behind a fence, and which hadn't been darted or received any medication that might preclude them from entering the food chain in the future.
Maybe just pipe dreams, but you never know....
The more I think about it, the more attractive it seems!
Fencing costs are the stumbling block - I had hopes that Welsh Government might provide grant funding for this, on the basis that it would be a farm diversification project, but apparently not (although they may fund larder / food prep areas).
However, I could start small by just fencing a couple of fields, then increase the area year on year as the herd grows and as finances permit.
So, my question is, how easy is it to buy deer? I buy and sell livestock on a regular basis, but no experience of the same with deer. Say I wanted half-a-dozen does and a buck? Where could I find them? I'd want animals that were used to being behind a fence, and which hadn't been darted or received any medication that might preclude them from entering the food chain in the future.
Maybe just pipe dreams, but you never know....
