Peel Forest Deer Milk

In 2016, under the pioneering guidance of expert deer and dairy farmers Mark Faulks and Graham Carr, the first drops of deer milk were extracted from the hinds. From that point on, our journey of developing a milking herd, new systems, protocols, compliance, research, product development, continued investment and hard work from our small and passionate team, has continued to this day.

Our vision is for Peel Forest Deer Milk to be regarded
as the World’s Most Premium Milk.

  • Graham Carr - Founder and Owner
    Rebecca Davidson - Commercial Director

  • Simon Wakefield - Head Deer Milker

  • Mark Faulks - Co Founder

The Milking Shed

The milking shed is designed so it can milk 40-50 hinds per hour. Each hind will produce approximately one litre of milk per day. Only a handful of deer milkers have been trained to undertake this specialist task.

The deer are milked from December to April. Our milking operation and processes, ensure animal and milker welfare is guaranteed, as well as efficient milk production, to a world class standard.

Our Deer

It quickly became apparent that you can’t just milk any deer. Over the years, through a process of careful selection and elimination, we have identified an optimum herd of hinds who are calm and efficient during the milking process.

This genetic line of carefully selected hinds will now also be a breeding pedigree.

tagged deer

Our Milk

So, what does deer milk taste like? Deer milk is very high in fat, as well as high in protein. The high fat content gives deer milk a very full texture and a wonderful, creamy taste.

To those who have tried it, there is always the element of surprise and delight at how good it tastes! But more interestingly, the compositional analysis of deer milk has uncovered some exciting health benefits too.

Click here to find out about health benefits.

Hind milking with cups on

Compliance

Deer milking is a new industry in New Zealand and it is not known that any other countries are commercially milking red deer. Our small and resilient team have been working relentlessly with the Ministry of Primary Industries, auditors, research partners and other relevant organisations to ensure the on-farm systems, milk processing and product output is compliant for future commercial opportunity.

This work is ongoing and we will continue to break down barriers to ensure there is a future for deer milking.

hind close up