Melior Deer

In the rugged expanse of the Mackenzie District, beneath the shadow of Mount Dobson, two properties form the backbone of Melior, a deer farming operation that’s redefining the future of the industry.

Stretching across diverse and breathtaking landscapes, Melior operates across Stanton Station near Burkes Pass, and also has a second property on partially irrigated pastures below. It’s here that Managing Director Tom Macfarlane, his wife Samantha and their team are pushing boundaries in deer genetics and sustainable farming.

“The property has really good balance,” Tom said. “The farm sits across 2,300 hectares and currently runs 20,000 stock units of deer, sheep, beef, and deer stud. Stanton Station runs from 450 metres to 1,100 metres above sea level, giving us great breeding country for our sheep, cattle, and deer. Our other property is 200 metres above sea level, with some irrigation and more developed pastures, which provides balance between breeding and finishing.”

The name Melior, (pronounced Mee-Lee-Or) derived from Latin meaning “better,” reflects the team’s commitment to advancing deer genetics. “The original business was called Deer Improvement, from LIC, known more for their dairy cow business. We wanted to maintain that link but put our own stamp on it,” Tom explained.

Central to Melior’s operation is its breeding programme, which focuses on producing robust animals capable of thriving under commercial conditions. “We’re unashamedly focused on venison production and having animals that can survive real-world conditions. We invest a lot into creating the next generation of genetics,” he shared. “We like to think that we’re crystal ball gazing into the future to see what farmers want.”

Melior’s properties allow for a unique approach to testing. “We test our stock on rugged hills with low inputs, and then feed them well on the lowland to reveal their potential in more favourable conditions,” Tom explained. This rigorous process has positioned Melior as a frontrunner in deer genetics and venison production in New Zealand.

For Tom and Samantha, innovation in their operations doesn’t stop at the farm gate. Melior collaborates closely with AgResearch to ensure breeding decisions are backed by solid data. “It’s a partnership,” said Tom. “We supply genetics, they help us test them, and we get access to cutting-edge knowledge. Scale is critical for data accuracy, especially in a smaller industry like deer farming.” With over 2,000 hinds, Melior’s scale allows them to test and fine-tune their breeding decisions, “We test multiple genetic lines: how they handle the same country differently, mob pressure, and commercial pressures.”

Although data drives the business, for Tom the true reward lies in witnessing Melior’s genetics enhancing other farms. “One of the things I enjoy most is spending time with clients. We talk about everything from genetics to farm management exercises. It’s amazing to see how improvements in performance directly boost profitability,” he shared.

For Tom, a path in farming seemed almost inevitable. “I grew up on a farm, and my father was a rural professional. In high school, I had the nickname ‘Farmer’ and was always heading towards Lincoln University,” he laughed. It was here that his early involvement in national deer progeny testing sparked his interest in genetics. After graduating, Tom continued to pursue his passion for deer and genetics, which ultimately led to the acquisition of the deer stud and leasing the two farms that now make up Melior.

Sustainable farming practices are central to Melior’s values, and Tom is dedicated to evolving practices that protect both the land and the staff. “We’re constantly looking to improve our farm management systems and approaches.”

For example, he continued, “when fodder beet became popular in Canterbury, we started using it, but realised that traditional cultivation methods on our heavy clay soils weren’t sustainable. So, for the past eight or nine years, we’ve been developing precision planting minimum tillage techniques to maintain yields and animal performance without degrading the soil.” He also pointed to their strategic fencing around waterways to reduce sediment and nutrient loss. “Being in the development process, we have had the ability to take our time, and think strategically about how we manage our environment for long-term success.”

However, sustainable farming comes with its challenges. The deer industry, particularly venison, has faced tough times, especially during COVID-19. “We had a massive crash in the venison price because we were reliant on the restaurant trade, and when restaurants closed, demand disappeared overnight,” Tom reflected. “Many deer farmers switched to velvet production or sheep, but those who stuck with venison are now seeing the benefit, as sheep prices have fallen. Still, it’s tough with rising input costs, high interest rates, and low product prices. On top of that, the annual kill has dropped a lot as a response to economic factors. Even though venison profits are currently better than sheep farming, it’s hard to get deer back on to properties that have lost them.”

Despite the economic challenges, Tom remains hopeful, noting how farming is not just about running a business - it’s about being part of the rural community. “We’ve established a scholarship at Lincoln University,” Tom explained. “A mate and I, who both went through Lincoln together, visit each year to speak with farm management diploma students about the promising future in farming, and highlight its diverse opportunities. There are good professional roles, but there are also amazing opportunities on farm without the need to own a farm,” he shared, “and giving that perspective is really important. As farms get bigger, we need smart, motivated young people entering the industry.” The scholarship offers aspiring farmers real-world experience while pursuing their studies, helping to ensure the future of farming in New Zealand.

Melior’s success is not only due to innovation and sustainability but also the people behind it. Tom values the relationships he’s built with staff, clients, and customers. “The best part about running Melior is the people”. “Number one is my wife - without her, we couldn’t do it. We’ve got great business partners, John and Melinda Macfarlane, and an excellent team with Sam and Victoria Bishop managing our farm. Our leadership team includes Peter Bezuidenhout and Dan Holt, and we have a strong support system beneath them. Our genetic crew, Jake Chardon and Boyd Gudex, are the brains behind the operation, and Sherryn Smith ensures the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed.”

Mental health is another key focus for Melior. “Good communication is extremely important,” Tom stated. “Our leadership team has a real focus on staff wellbeing, understanding what motivates people, their personality types, how they learn best, and how they communicate. These are skills that aren’t always taught at university but are vital for farming success,” he explained. “Culture plays a massive role in our teams. Without the right culture, we can’t achieve our goals, whether in business or on the farm. As farmers, we typically like to put our head down and just get the jobs done, but it’s important to get off farm and do things. Whether that’s going to Fieldays and talking to like-minded people, or stepping away from farming entirely, it’s about building a culture where people feel supported.”

Looking to the future, Tom believes integration will be crucial for New Zealand farming. “We need strong, resilient businesses that can generate consistent returns.” He advocates for a multi-faceted approach that includes multiple stock classes to manage costs and improve productivity. “Being singularly focused helps in some ways, and it means you can make the most of the highs, but you also get the worst of the lows too.”

“Integrating stock is an important strategy for us - it helps with parasite control, feed management, and cost management. As farmers, we’re used to juggling multiple tasks, and we have a wide range of skills. So, I think integration is very important, and that’s probably the main thing that deer can provide to sheep and beef farmers.”

At Melior, their ethos is simple: “We like to be brave with our decision-making and constantly learn and develop. We like to have open discussions where no subject is off the table; whether that’s our systems, animal performance, or how we run the business.” He also emphasised the importance of balancing environmental care and the well-being of animals and people with maintaining profitability. “Without profitability, there is no business,” he affirmed.

As Tom and Samantha Macfarlane and their team continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry, they remain grounded in the values that have shaped Melior from the beginning. The challenges they face - whether market fluctuations, environmental pressures, or rising costs - are met with a forward-thinking approach and a clear vision for what farming can achieve. However, beyond the science and business strategy, Melior is about people - its dedicated team, its community, and the relationships it builds with clients and the next wave of farmers. Their bravery is what will continue to drive Melior’s success, ensuring that deer farming remains a viable, world-class, and vital part of New Zealand’s agricultural heritage for years to come.