Canadian Overview
The Cervid Industry in Canada

Deer and elk farming can be traced back for thousands of years to almost all continents around the world. Since the 1960's New Zealand has been the commercial pioneer of the industry with over 1.7 million animals and an extremely successful export market generating over $300 million of revenue in 2006.

Across North America the industry is still considered a relatively young industry even though the Natives and Inuit herded and tamed deer, caribou, and elk for centuries. Fences were used as a way to assemble the animals and the animal products were fully utilized from meat to leather.

In Canada, further expansion of the commercial industry began in the late 1960's with a major influx of progression in the mid-1980's. Although the industry has more recently suffered some setback it remains an integral part of agriculture. Currently there are over 2200 farms with an estimated 145,000 animals.

Many species of domestic cervids are native to North America including whitetail, mule deer, elk and reindeer. Fallow and red deer have been introduced to the Canadian ranching landscape. All species flourish with the added care that is commanded through ranching practices. It is only natural that ensuring the best opportunity for the animal through meticulous care and removal of the threats such as predators and disease would allow them to thrive.

The cervid industry in Canada is regulated both federally and provincially. Provincial regulations vary by province. Most provinces that allow cervid farming have import protocols which farms are required to meet prior to import. Although the industry can clearly demonstrate this is an agricultural venture, most provincial wildlife departments continue to ensure legislative measures and wildlife interests are addressed; many times to the detriment of the industry.

The location of the industry is spread throughout almost all provinces and territories in Canada. The majority of elk, whitetail and mule deer farms are concentrated in Alberta and Saskatchewan while red deer farms are dominate in Quebec and Ontario. Statistics gathered from 2005 indicate of the 145,000 cervids in Canada; elk represent 62% of the domestic population, 14.5% red deer, 14.4 % whitetail, 7.8% fallow and the remaining 1.2% consists of reindeer, mule deer, and moose. The industry processes approximately 14% of the total population per year for venison and trophy sales. Cervid farms vary in size from small hobby farms to large production farms with hundreds of animals.

Producer backgrounds vary from experienced ranchers with a desire to diversify to active professionals. Admiration and respect for the animals are one of the common bonds among producers. A portion of the ranchers have extensive experience in wildlife related backgrounds including veterinarians, biologists and outfitters. It is a fact that the median age of producers is younger than that of other industries. This indicates renewal, innovation, and leadership and is a positive symbol for diversification in Canadian agriculture. Cervid production in our country has a promising future!