Tony & Lynda Gray, together with their daughters Rebecca and Catherine, farm at the top of the scenic Pohangina Valley nestled under the Ruahine Ranges in the northern Manawatu.  

They own 408 hectares (approx 1,000 acres) of easy hill country of which about 140ha is regenerating native trees protected by a QEII covenant. 140 ha of the farm is fenced for deer and they farm about 300 hinds, 1,200 ewes and 75 beef breeding cows taking younger cattle through to their second winter.

First Light Venison is the reason that they are still farming deer. Being part of a vertically integrated company marketing venison to the world is a great opportunity. They are breeders and their goal is to produce well grown weaner deer for other members of the group to finish using Wapiti and Eastern Red sire stags. Their favourite venison is a sliced fillet lightly barbecued and served with a fresh salad.