New Zealand farmers are stringently regulated by New Zealand Government's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The New Zealand government has strict laws to keep their pastures and farmlands fresh and green in an all natural environment. New Zealands strict agricultural regulations are why their countries products have become so popular in the natural products industry. Additionally AgResearch is the New Zealand owned research facility that has divisions dedicated to the research and development of velvet antler.
In New Zealand, where the majority of velvet deer antler is harvested, the velveting process has received the endorsement of farmers, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, animal welfarist, and government agencies. Together they have developed a velveting code to ensure that elk and deer are velveted humanely. Velveting involves restraing the stag so the local anesthetics to be administered and for the velvet to be removed. At the time of removal, usually in late spring, the antler is mainly formed of cartilage and has a well supplied blood vessel network. Stags will grow new antler every year. The New Zealand code of velveting emphasizes a reduction of stress in deer and elk through correct mustering and handling procedures and velvet removal techniques to prevent injury, stress, or pain. Stags are given vitamins, special feed, regular veterinary care, and protected from natural predators to allow them to thrive and propagate.