Do you do farm gate sales? 

Yes, please visit our Farm Gate sales page

Do you send product interstate?

We currently transport product to Tasmania. If cost effective, we can look at transporting to other states and territories, on a case-by-case scenario.

Are you accredited? 

Yes, we are accredited with the Shire of Yarra Ranges for domestic sales. We do not export.

How are your products packaged? 

All of our products are vacuum packed.

What are your deer fed? 

Our deer feed on 61 acres of lush pastures with seasonal whole oats and natural grass hay.

Are your deer hormone-free? 

Yes.

Do you offer online sales?

Not at this stage, however we are in the process of setting this up so please book mark our website for future reference.

How do I find out about where to buy your products?

Our products are available via a wide range of Distributors and Butchers. Our products are available via a range of outlets including; the Queen Victoria Market, Preston Market, CWB Wholesalers in Springvale, and AMW in Scoresby. And of course our Healesville Farm Gate Outlet. Contact us for more information.

Is deer meat high in protein and low in fat? 

Deer meat is very high in protein and very low in fat. Visit our Protein page for more information.

Do you sell deer penis and/or deer testicles?

Yes – please visit our Deer By-Product page for more information.

Where is kangaroo meat exported to?

Yarra Valley Game Meats does not export kangaroo meat, or any product, overseas.

The Australian kangaroo industry estimates that it exports kangaroo meat to more than 55 countries. Kangaroo meat is increasingly popular and export markets are expected to increase since kangaroo is considered one of the finest game meats. The European Union and Russia are the most significant markets with the USA and Asia becoming increasingly important. www.dfat.gov.au/facts/kangaroos.html

How is kangaroo meat processed?

All kangaroo meat is processed under strict inspection by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to ensure that it is fit for human consumption.In addition, all kangaroo meat processing plants must have a certificate of registration and are examined and certified in accordance with the strict requirements of importing countries.” www.dfat.gov.au/facts/kangaroos.html

How many kangaroos are there in Australia?

It is estimated there are around 35 million kangaroos in Australia. Five of the 48 species of kangaroo are harvested for meat. The kangaroo meat industry harvests approximately two million animals per annum and provides employment in regional Australia. http://www.csiro.au/files/mediaRelease/mr2004/kangaroofat.htm

What is the nutritional composition of kangaroo meat?

Kangaroo meat is very lean and has less than two per cent fat content. Kangaroo meat also contains very high levels of quality protein, iron and zinc. Due to its leanness, kangaroo meat must be cooked with care to avoid overcooking. A doctoral study undertaken by Clare Engelke, sponsored by the University of Western Australia and CSIRO Livestock Industries, indicates that kangaroo meat is the richest known natural source of CLAs in currently available literature. Dairy milk was previously the highest known source of CLAs, followed by beef and lamb. http://www.csiro.au/files/mediaRelease/mr2004/kangaroofat.htm

What are conjugated linoleic acids (CLA)?

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that have been the focus of researchers over the past two decades. In animal experiments, CLA have been shown to reduce obesity and heart disease and have anticarcinogenic properties. The majority of research into CLA has focused on the health benefits of CLA to humans. These benefits have only properly been demonstrated in animal models and human cells, not humans themselves. However, one study in humans detected an inverse (reduced) relationship between milk consumption and breast cancer risk. Tests of CLA benefits in humans have been limited by ethical considerations - for example, the illnesses that CLA are reported to protect against cannot be induced in human subjects, nor can lifestyle factors be controlled as easily as with mice or rats in a laboratory. Currently, scientists do not yet have a definitive answer for the amount of CLA required to produce beneficial effects in humans. http://www.csiro.au/files/mediaRelease/mr2004/kangaroofat.htm

How are kangaroos harvested?

Animal welfare considerations are a priority of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Kangaroo harvesting and processing is subject to strict regulations and all hunters face penalties if they do not abide by the National Code of Practice for the Humane Killing of Kangaroos. Compliance with the Code is a licence condition for commercial shooters in all states. www.dfat.gov.au/facts/kangaroos.html

All Australian states and territories have legislation to protect kangaroos. Only the four most abundant species of kangaroo and small numbers of two common wallaby species can be commercially harvested , and then only by licensed hunters in accordance with an approved management plan. These species are the Red kangaroo, Eastern grey kangaroo, Western grey kangaroo, Common Wallaroo (Euro), Bennetts wallaby and Pademelon (a type of wallaby). www.dfat.gov.au/facts/kangaroos.html

Why is wild harvesting required?

Harvesting is required because their population has increased dramatically since European settlement and the introduction of European farming methods, giving the wallabies wonderful grassed areas and water holes to feed on and increase in numbers, which has consequently creating problems for the Australian Ecosystem.

Who sets quotas for harvesting of kangaroos and wallabies?

Quotas are set on the basis of population size and trends, and long-term climate predictions. Conservation of the species remains the foremost consideration. This approach ensures that the harvesting of kangaroos and wallabies is managed in an ecologically sustainable way.
The harvesting of kangaroos and wallabies is permitted on a quota basis that is reviewed annually and independent of market demand. There is no farming of kangaroos or wallabies in Australia. Kangaroos and wallabies are harvested in the wild by licensed hunters.”  www.dfat.gov.au/facts/kangaroos.html