Content area
Full Text
Although elk farming is a relatively new industry in Saskatchewan, it has grown to the extent that Saskatchewan and Alberta now rank as the largest producers in Canada.
During the early and mid-1980s, New Zealand emerged as a strong market for the export of Canadian elk breeding stock. Despite a recent decline in that market and ongoing concern over government regulation, the interest in elk continues to grow.
Rick and Suzann Alsager, who farm near Maidstone, have been in the elk business for about 12 years, and now have some 400 acres fenced for their 200 elk. The Alsagers are among the most experienced game farmers in the country, with one of the largest herds. Rick is also president of the Saskatchwan Game Farmers Association which was formed last year.
The Alsagers have several different markets for elk. Although some venison is sold out the farm gate, the sale of breeding stock is an important part of their operation. Most enquiries have recently come from Alberta.
For the Alsagers and other elk farmers, another market has been the sale of antler velvet which is exported primarily to Korea where it is used as a medicine and aphrodisiac. Velvet prices are unstable, fluctuating from a high of $120/pound to more recent levels of around $50/pound.
Another large elk producer is Ryan Clark who farms near Fairlight in southeastern Saskatchewan. Like many game farmers, the Clarks raised cattle for a number of years and began looking for alternatives when the cattle business wasn't paying.
"You can raise an elk a lot of cheaper per pound than beef," said Clark. "In the winter, an elk's metabolism slows way down to conserve energy and heat, so their food requirements are a lot less. Beef cattle eat about the same throughout the year. The elk also eat a variety of grasses and shrubs that cows won't touch, and they really like poplar trees. You can make better use of pasture, especially with native pasture and bush. They're one of nature's most adaptable animals."
The New Zealand Connection
With some 4000 deer farmers and herds ranging from a couple dozen deer to 6000 animals, New Zealand is undoubtedly the world's leader in game farming. Stringent meat inspection procedures have opened...