Message from Kris Orange…… 

With a fairly average start to the year, weather wise, it’s good to finally be getting some nice sunny days. 

The crew at Downlands have had a busy start to 2026 with Ram sales followed by Stag sales in early January.  There have been some exceptional prices paid for all stock, with many farmers receiving record prices for their stock which is great to see.  In general with the exception of velvet, all products are holding firm.  We have had a busy season carting cull Velveting stags to slaughter.  Although probably not enough stags have been removed from the system this season, the percentage of traditional and non- traditional velvet should improve and lead to better pricing. A reduction in stags next season will almost definitely translate into a lift in velvet returns.

What has gone up is costs (for us and our clients) with labour, tyres, power, fertiliser and R & M costs, and now thanks to Mr Trump, we are now seeing a massive spike in diesel and petrol costs.  We have had a “Fuel adjustment factor”  or FAF for many years (more on this below). However the rapid rate in which the fuel price has risen causing the FAF increases in the last 3-4 weeks is unprecedented.   Hopefully these high fuel prices are short lived and we can get back to some sort of normality, I must admit it does seem a long way off at this point.  We are monitoring fuel prices daily and working really hard to maintain efficiency and looking for any cost saving measures that can help. 

On another note, I want to do a big shout out to all of our staff, both behind the wheel and behind the computer for their hard work and long hours.  There is one staff member in particular who I want to mention - Hamish.  Hamish has been with Downlands since we purchased Otago Deer Transport 3 years ago.  Hamish has worked tirelessly for us, always going above and beyond.  Add to that almost always being 15 minutes early to his pick ups.  Of late Hamish has had some health issues with his heart and has reluctantly had to take time off work.  I’m sure he wouldn’t mind me telling you, the frustration of the health system and not being able to be out in the truck has taken its toll while he awaits heart surgery.  From us all here Hamish, all the best, get well soon, we will have the truck polished for your return.

Best regards Kris

As everyone is aware the ongoing fuel crisis is causing a continual and large escalation in fuel prices for everybody.   As a transport company fuel represents a considerable  part of our operating costs and these increases are so substantial we are unable to absorb them.  Our fuel costs have nearly doubled over the past few weeks.   We thought it was timely to just explain what FAF is and why we use it.

So what is FAF (Fuel Adjustment Factor) and how is it calculated……FAF is a surcharge, a percentage that is applied to each transport movement that helps to balance out the ups and downs of fuel costs.  Most transport companies have had this surcharge for many years.

How do we calculate FAF…… Downlands uses the weekly fuel cost data supplied by MBIE, the data provided allows us to calculate increases or decreases from the original base rate as a percentage and then this is applied as a FAF percentage.   

We do get calls from people questioning why everyone’s  FAF is so different.  The reasons for the differences are based on when their base rates were set and introduced and what percentage of total overheads is fuel.   

Why not just add to the transport rate? …. Diesel price fluctuates a lot overtime and with pricing all computerised, on Xero in our case, everytime we alter everyones rates it is a huge job – and if/when the diesel price falls, rates have to then be reduced again!

Finally…..

We appreciate your business and ongoing support and know this is a difficult and challenging time for everyone,  please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need some clarification around your booking costs. 

Interisland Transport - Dairy Heifers

Autumn is here, and now is the time to plan your dairy stock movements. The Downlands team are ready to help farmers across New Zealand move stock between islands safely, efficiently, and with the care your animals deserve. With dedicated units and experienced drivers, we make the process stress-free from start to finish. Spaces fill quickly during the March–May season, so get in touch now to lock in your transport and keep your operation running smoothly.

Book your transport in minutes at www.downlandsdeer.co.nz using our simple online form. Stock agents, breeders, and farmers can all submit details anytime from phone or computer, and Jackie will confirm the job for you.

Prefer to talk it through? Call us on 0800 163 013 office@downlandsdeer.co.nz.

I have been part of the Downlands team for just over 3 years now, I have been married for over 20 years with 3 kids and just become a grandfather for the first time.

I’m Otago born and bred having spent 20 years farming before I started driving trucks.

What I enjoy about driving for Downlands is meeting some really cool people and seeing some amazing places around NZ. I am very lucky to work with a team of people who I believe to be the best in the business.

Over the last couple of years the website has been evolving if you haven’t had a look it’s worth checking out. Let’s have a quick overview now……

From the Home Page you can Book or obtain a quote for your transport needs, look up upcoming sales on our sales calendar, you can email us directly from here too. Have a read of previous newsletters, and right at the bottom are links to Deer Industry NZ & Rural Support’s Websites.

Under the “About Downlands” tab you can read about the beginning of the Company, and the changes that have made up the past 40 years. There’s some great photos from the early days and you will find all the contact details for all current Key Staff members.

Venture over to the “Livestock Transport” tab and check out our fleet of purpose built vehicles.

www.downlandsdeer.co.nz

If you havent already join us on Facebook too!

A popular Korean dish that offers tender and juicy steak marinated in a mildly sweet soy, sesame, garlic & ginger marinade. Cooks super fast, once steak is done marinating it’s 10 minutes to dinner!

Ingredients

• 500g Beef Rump Steak

• 1 small pear

• 2 minced garlic cloves

• 2 TBSP soy sauce

• 1 tsp soft brown sugar

• 1 TBSP gochujang (korean red pepper paste)

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger

• 2 TBSP cooking oil

• 2 spring onions, sliced diagonally

• 1 tsp seasame seeds

To Serve

• Jasmine Rice

• Cos Lettuce

• kimchi

Method

1. Slice the rump steak into thin strips and reserve

2. Cut the pear and remove core. Grate to make half a cup of grated pear

3. Place grated pear in a glass or metal bowl and add garlic, soy sauce, soft brown sugar, gochujang, seasame oil and ginger. Mix until combined.

4. Fold in the sliced rump sgteak, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour

5. Bring a frying pan to medium high heat, once hot, add oil

6. Add the beef and marinade and quickly arrange so the beef is in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes until browned and starting to caramelise

7. Flip steak and cook, stirring for a further 2 mins until fully cooked

8. Transfer to a serving plate

To serve -

1. Garnish with seasame seeds and spring onions

2. Serve with rice, lettuce leaves, kimchi and any extra vegetable side dishes

QUOTE FROM A 60 YR OLD CYCLIST

After being widowed in my 60’s my family suggested I take up trail bike riding for fitness and to meet people. I certainly met people! In the first month of trail biking I have already met a paramedic, an orthopedic surgeon, several nurses, two cardiologists and nearly met Jesus!