Fairlight Station Annual Stag Sale

All of Fairlight is deer fenced, so all stock are able to use all the pastures throughout the farm. Priority for the best pasture use during the year is determined by the Station’s manager according to stock classes and weather conditions. In winter, the mature hinds feed on the hill country, while the remaining stock are protected in the lower flat areas along the waterways.

At Fairlight we target a high 12-month growth rate, and to achieve this we emphasize early fawning and good conditioning. We are constantly culling dry hinds and we have a policy of no tolerance for animals who exhibit poor temperament.

Our average carcass weight has lifted to 64kg for spikers, having gained close to 800g live weight per year over 15years. Early finishing at Fairlight is crucial to profitability. As we hit peak schedules, spikers (first year male deer) are not competing with lamb and cattle fattening, or with lactating hinds. It is our insurance against summer dry.