PA Spring 2024

SPONSORED

OHIO FALL DEER CONVENTION at the mt hope event center

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 & 18

THURSDAY AUGUST 15

7:00AM Booth Setup

9:00AM Booth Visitation

12:00 Free Lunch

1:00PM Auction Starts with Elite 25 (Selling approximately 150 Lots)

4:30PM WDFO Annual Membership Meeting

Followed by Speakers

5:00-6:30PM Dinner Served (ticket required)

7:00PM Donkey Ball Game

10:00PM Exhibit Hall Closes

FRIDAY AUGUST 16

7:00AM Doors Open

9:00AM Auction Starts

11:30-12:30 Free Lunch

4:30-6:30PM Dinner Served (ticket required)

6:30PM WDFO Benefit Auction (Followed by Raffle Drawings)

App. 9:30PM Event Ends

Schedule is subject to change. Stay tuned for updates.

TABLES {8 PEOPLE}

$1000 Table purchase includes all meals for event. Each table wins a gun & gets 8 UTV tickets. 8 cards of basket raffle tickets + other free gifts.

INDIVIDUAL SEATS

can be purchased for gun tables for $150 per seat. There will also be plenty of free seats available if you do not wish to purchase a table.

BOOTHS {10X10}

$250

Booth space will be very limited.

LOTS OF RAFFLE PRIZES

WOMEN’S RAFFLE

Sewing Machine

$500 Cash Mixer

HUGE BASKET RAFFLE

JOHNNY BLIND RAFFLE

MAIN RAFFLE

Kawasaki Mule

Stihl HT 135 Pole Saw

Blackstone Griddle

St. Croix Rod & Reel

Solo Stove ‘Bonfire ’

GUN BLITZ

Draw subject to availability.

FEATURED ARTICLES:

May

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Spring, 2024

Greetings Deer Farmers!

Very exciting times here at the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association. At the Pennsylvania Farm Show this year, the PDFA booth was the place to be! With many visitors and dignitaries stopping to say hello, we were thrilled by the number of folks who stopped by. Representative Doug Mastriano and Representative Scott Perry came to our exhibitor booth, as well as local News and Weather celebrities like Tom Russell and Joel D. Smith.

Our booth was manned by several dedicated professional deer farmers, including PDFA Board Member and Treasurer Bruce Snyder of Snyder Whitetails along with Ike Martin, Board Secretary from Bambie’s Paradise and also Board Member Tucker Sellinger from The Valley Deer Farm. Special thank you to Elam Lapp, who donated Deer Scent as giveaways to all the younger hunters that came to the booth. Also of note are those dedicated folks who sold more than 450 Gun/Cash Raffle tickets in support of the PDFA. We are also holding a 2nd Raffle for a Generac 10Kw Generator. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from any member of the Board of Directors directly and are also available at www.padfa.com or by calling 717.801.0533.

The single most exciting event is our upcoming Fall Classic which will be held at the Blair County Convention Center located in Altoona, Pa. This 2-day event will be held on 6th and 7th of September with the Breeder/Stocker auction on the 6th and the Benefit Auction being held on the 7th. Along with these two auctions, there will be plenty of educational opportunities with a guest speaker from Texas A&M, Dr. Chris Seabury and Dr. Scott Wells from the University of Minnesota.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will also have presentations and question and answer sessions to inform us on upcoming events and the latest information on CWD and the GEVB Cull program. With Fawn season just around the corner, it is not too late to order Ear Tags as well as tissue sample tubes, which will sell fast, so get your orders in early. Fellow deer farmers, if you are currently a member of Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association ~ thank you so much for your support! If you are unsure of your membership status, please feel free to contact our PDFA administrator at 717.801.0533 or any member of the Board. We cannot do it alone! We need your help to continue the work PDFA is doing to educate law makers about Pennsylvania Deer Farming and the vital role we play in the preservation of deer breeding and hunting in the Commonwealth.

Sincerely,

John Manta, President

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association

BOARD OF OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

John Manta (2024)

President

John Manta

Julie Acres Deer Farm

Wolf Bridge Road

Carlisle, Pa. 17013

Cell: 717-448-8764

Email: julieacres@aol.com

Bruce Snyder (2025)

Treasurer

Bruce Snyder

Snyder’s Whitetails

2358 Produce Rd.

Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

Cell: 570-259-0051

Email: snyderswhitetails@yahoo.com

Tucker Sellinger

Tucker Sellinger

The Valley Deer Farm

1506 Wells Road

Williamsport, PA 17702

Cell: 570-660-0143

Email: tuckersellinger@aol.com

Mick Goodman

Goodman’s Whitetail Haven

751 Logan Rd.

New Stanton, PA 15672

Cell: (724) 493-1040

Email: gwhaven@hotmail.com

Bob Byers

Bob Byers

Triple B Whitetails

455 Byers Lane

Knox, PA 16232

Cell: (814) 229-0226

Email: bob.byers@agriking.com

Jarrid Barry

Powder Ridge Outfitters

PO Box 6

Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

Cell: (717) 821-0669

Email: powderridgeoutfitters@gmail.com

Andy Goodman, Partner

Legislative Counsel

Milliron Goodman

Governmental Relations

200 N. Third St.

Harrisburg, Pa. 17101

Office: 717-232-5322

Email: andy@millirongoodman.com

Lloyd Stoltzfus (2024)

Vice President

Walnut Ridge Whitetails

142 Churchtown Rd.

Narvon, Pa. 17555

Office: 717-768-3471

Email: wrwhitetails@yahoo.com

Isaac Martin (2024)

Secretary

Bambi’s Paradise

230 Dusty Hollow Lane

McClure, Pa. 17841

Cell: 570-412-0064

Email: ike@pikrite.com

Josh Newton

Josh Newton

Cervid Solutions, LLC

Red Ridge Whitetails

15223 Route 87 Hwy

Williamsport, Pa. 17701

Office: 844-478-2870

Cell: 484-951-3229

Email: jnewton@redridgewhitetails.com

John Fisher

World Class Genetics

152 Meadow Lane

Loysville, Pa. 17047

Cell: 717-582-1896

Email: 5starjohndaniel@gmail.com

Irvin Brown

Irvin Brown

Three Rivers Whitetails

3850 Jefferson Ave.

Washington, PA 15301

Cell: (724) 345-8185

Email: irvinbrown2001@yahoo.com

Tess Stevenson

PDFA Administrator

PO Box 394

Harrisburg, PA 17108

Office: 717-801-0533

Email: office@padfa.com

Kerry Lange, Senior Associate

Legislative Counsel

Milliron Goodman Government Relations

Kerry Lange, Senior Associate

200 N. Third St. Harrisburg, Pa. 17101

Office: 717-232-5322

Email: kerry@millirongoodman.com

BOARD MEMBER MESSAGE - Bruce Snyder

I would like to take the time to say a little thank you to a few people who are so valuable to deer farmers throughout the Commonwealth. Many would not recognize them by name. They are the people who remind us about important things like inventory due dates as well as the status of the farm we want to purchase deer from, as well as the status of the farms to which we hope to sell our deer.

For all of you who haven’t guessed yet, I’m talking about two of the most professional people we could ever hope to have working for us at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Ms. Jody Boyer and Ms. Celeste Intrieri. Jody and Celeste are two of the most caring and dedicated individuals we could ask for. Most deer farmers know Jody or Celeste as that friendly voice on the other end on the phone when we contact the Department of Agriculture. Most of the time we call with our hair on fire and hoping desperately for quick answers to tough questions or wanting to know the status of a permit. For the services you provide to us on a

basis, on behalf of

PDFA Board of Directors and all Pennsylvania deer farmers, thank you both for all your dedication and hard work.

Bruce Snyder, PDFA Treasurer

ROCKY RIDGE WHITETAILS FOCUSED ON CWD RESISTANCE AND QUALITY BREEDING

By: Gail Veley

When asking John Ervin Stoltzfus at Rocky Ridge Whitetails what he breeds for, his answer always begins the same way. “I don’t take short cuts. I breed for super large mainframes, such as beam length, tine length, width, and solid mass,” he said. He feels confident in his decisions and validated by the fact he is consistently winning antler competition awards at NADeFA. “I really like the “wow factor” when you get those antlers in your hands,” he added.

John Ervin likes to breed a variety of deer for his customers to choose from, such as large clean typicals, large typical mainframes with extras to help increase score and give more character. Close to 15% of his herd he breeds for 500”+ and 600”+ giant nontypical’s with a focus on large balanced mainframes. In addition to breeding for a variety of antler types, he also breeds for health, body size and proven “pass down” genetics. “All of these factors have been a high priority for many years at Rocky Ridge Whitetails

emphasized. However, his focus has also shifted to another unavoidable trait in the quest to produce quality deer, breeding for CWD resistance.

Scientific research by experts such as Dr. Haley, Dr. Seabury and numerous research facilities like the one found in Aimes, Iowa has paved the way for a future potentially void of CWD. “I’ve always had a passion and fascination to study, breed, watch and follow genetics and pedigrees in whitetail deer,” John Ervin said. “About 6 years ago when I heard about Dr. Haley’s research in whitetails on CWD resistant genes, it got my attention. I always had a feeling that nature has a way of taking its course and the weak will die off. But the strong genes will survive and reproduce. If they could breed out sheep scrapies, then why couldn’t deer farmers breed deer CWD resistant deer, since both are a prion disease.”

John Ervin also feels optimistic about a genetic test first introduced three years ago by Dr. Seabury, a 50K Genomic Estimated Breeding

resistance. Continued research will include updating this genomic test through CWD positive herd research. “I believe CWD research needs to be continued especially since it’s a regulated disease,” John Ervin explained. “I am grateful to Dr. Seabury and to NADR for updating GEBV research annually. NADR is now doing the GEBV and codon marker test.” As a result of this test, recommendations now include breeding away from codon 96 GG and instead breeding the combination codon 96 SS and lower negative number GEBV’s, which is proving successful in making deer less susceptible to contracting CWD.

John Ervin feels determining breeding markers is easy and while that itself may not take long, breeding lower and lower GEBV numbers will take a lot more time if your goal is to have your whole herd at the lowest GEBV numbers possible in spite of variables such as prion contamination exposure. “I find it very interesting on GEBV pass down,” John Ervin said, and explains

“You would expect that in breeding a 200” class doe to a 400” buck, that the sons should be close to the middle at 300”. But anyone that has been breeding deer long enough knows that isn’t nearly the case, with some being under 200” and some being somewhere between 200” to 400”. And sometimes you get that one that is even bigger and better then both parents. And, naturally the desire is to breed the bigger and better deer, if you are striving to improve and take your herd to the next level.”

In the 27 years that John Ervin has spent raising whitetails, he has seen and appreciated the efforts of deer farmers striving to produce their next level of deer. He is hopeful the industry will see the same thing happen with GEBV’s and that CWD will cease to exist on deer farms. He understands the numbers have continued to rise for CWD positives and CWD trace-out quarantines in his home state of Pennsylvania and for many other states. “There has been a lot of CWD found in the wild in the recent years and it seems to have an effect on many deer farms going CWD positive,” John Ervin shared. “Our Pennsylvania Game Commission does a good job at supplying the records on tracking CWD in the wild herds, but they don’t have a good solution to eradicate CWD. The following are reports on the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website for Bedford and Lancaster Counties.

While you can track each county on the PA Game Commission website for wild deer, John Ervin picked the first county (Bedford) where CWD was found in 2012 and his own county (Lancaster) where his farm is. While he is thankful no CWD was ever found in his county in wild deer to this date, he does understand that could change in the future with wild deer CWD positive appearing on the other side of his farm fence, and he wants to be prepared with a resistant herd if that would ever happen. And while his farm is double fenced, he understands as do all deer farmers, that there are also other ways to spread CWD. John Ervin also already seen a tremendous shift in those desiring CWD resistance genetics in the amount of

semen he sells, as well as his embryo and breeding stock sales. He has also heard first-hand from hunting ranches that while CWD resistance genes will not make a difference to hunters, it will make a difference for stocking preserves if CWD resistant deer lower the risk of bringing the disease onto their property. “Because

of this, I believe we have the potential for a very bright future and great opportunities for our next generation,” he said. “I’m so happy to be sharing my passion with my wife Mary Ann and our five precious children, and to be meeting the genetic demands of my customers and their clients.”

FEEDING DIRECTIONS: WHITE-TAILED DEER:

• Fawns up to 1 week of age: Feed 16 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 – 6 feeding.

• Fawns 1 week to 1 month of age: Feed 24 to 30 oz. of formula daily, divided into 4 feedings.

• Fawns 1 month to 2 months of age: Feed 30 to 35 oz. of formula daily, divided into 2 to 3 feedings.

• Fawns 2 months to weaning: Gradually decrease formula and number of feedings to approximately 15 oz. of formula once daily until fawn is fully weaned at 12 to 14 weeks of age. Provide a weaning diet and fresh clean water to the fawn.

For oral use only. These feeding directions are guidelines. As each animal is an individual, the feeding rate may be increased or decreased according to the needs of the neonate.

• All-Milk Protein

from Premium Food-Grade Milk Ingredients • Essential Vitamins and Complex Minerals • Balanced Fatty Acids • Improves Digestion • Promotes Growth and Performance

Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease into Pennsylvania

In 2005 CWD was discovered in West Virginia’s wild deer herd. The disease has since moved north through the ridge and valley region infecting Virginia, Maryland, and most recently Pennsylvania.

2012

CWD Discovered in Pennsylvania

2005

CWD Discovered in West Virginia

CWD found in wild deer only

Over 300 CWD Cases in wild deer to present date

No CWD found in farmed deer

CWD found in wild deer fall 2012

CWD found in a deer farm fall 2012

2010

CWD Discovered in Maryland

CWD found in wild deer only, 27 positives to present date

No CWD found in farmed deer

2009

CWD Discovered in Virginia

CWD found in wild deer only, 38 positives to present date

No CWD found in farmed deer

www.CWDFacts.com

A Moment with Publisher Kathy Giesen

Hello!

REFLECTIONS ON “THE BEST YEAR YET” IN THE DEER INDUSTRY

In the deer industry, we are in the midst of my favorite months of the year, January - March. Many of you might recall that I like to refer to these months as “Membership Drive Months”. Several of the state associations we service have renewal dates in this time frame and our team is here to help promote. As I reflect back on 2023 and look ahead in 2024, I’d have to say that because of our Membership Drive in 2023, that it was “the best year yet” for our ever strong and growing deer industry. Last year, we were able to raise more than $5,000 worth of membership money to support 15 state associations. At most state association events, you will find our Multi State Booth, decorated in honor of every deer association we represent. That reminds me, I’d like to also give a warm welcome to Alabama and Ohio, the latest state associations to be taken under our wing, bringing our membership drive now to 17 state associations.

While it’s important to join and support your specific state association, you can also join others and in doing so, receive that state association’s magazine each quarter. What a productive way to stay on top of the latest trends or current events! This year, by joining four state associations, you will be entered into a drawing for a very valuable and useful donation. Thank you, Lester Eicher of Springfield Whitetails, for a donation of one semen straw, of The Ace.

In addition to staying active in your association through your membership and event participation, is the renewal (or perhaps the beginning) of advertising in our magazines. Advertising allows you to establish your product or service and to remain front and center with those that need what you’re offering. Advertising has been proven time and again to be most effective when done consistently and regularly. When others consistently see your ad, they remember you and feel compelled to reach out when the time is right. It may not happen the first time, but can happen with regular advertising or perhaps the recognition remains mindful during sales and auctions.

Through our state association magazines, we offer a great service for getting your information out, interesting content and a really good product. We provide the connections necessary to keep you and your customers in the loop. I’m grateful for our team. Customer Care Representative Sam Uchytil, Journalist Gail Veley, Our Publishing Team and for our Shipping Associates that see to it that your magazines reach your mailboxes each quarter. We realize how blessed we are to be involved in such a great industry. And in the deer industry, we stick together!

It’s hard to believe things could get any better. Yet, we are never surprised when they do! Let’s all get excited for 2024 and for the adventures that lie ahead! And remember to renew your membership and advertising!! We are counting on you! Thank you!

Kathy Giesen

Editor / Publisher, D&K Design

Cell: 435-817-0150

Fax:

435-359-5333

deerassociations@gmail.com www.deersites.com

2024 NADEFA IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - PROMISES LASTING MEMORIES AND GOOD TIMES

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by ILDFA

Attending The North American Deer Farmer’s Association (NADeFA) national convention could prove to be a game changer for your deer business.

“Developing long-lasting business relationships through face-to-face meetings and camaraderie is one of the most important reasons for deer farmers and those who sell products and services to attend NADeFA,” offers Kathy Giesen, Editor and Publisher of multiple state deer association magazines, and steadfast convention attendee. “At NADeFA you get a very good mix of state association people. I feel this convention in particular will draw from every state deer association and be very well attended. There will also be a lot of educational and fun activities.”

Scheduled for March 20th-23rd 2024 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Springfield Illinois, NADeFA will also feature several guest speakers. “We typically cover a wide variety of topics such as information on starting a deer farm to the latest CWD findings to herd health and management,” said NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer. “A sampling of this year’s speakers includes Justin Greenlee and Dr. Chris Seabury.”

Board members for The Illinois Deer Farming Association (ILDFA) are pleased that Springfield, the capital of Illinois, will serve as the host city for this always much-

anticipated event. Springfield, a city known for being home to President Abraham Lincoln, the invention of the corn dog and horseshoe sandwich as well as Springfield Lake, a beautiful and popular reservoir, is also rich in culture. In 1812, Explorer John Kelly built the first cabin in Springfield, noting the area’s vast abundance of wild deer and game. Today, among the city’s grid structured streets is The Abraham Lincoln President Library and Museum, a mere 12 minutes from the convention. NADeFA attendees will receive a special admission rate of only $10 if they visit the museum during the convention, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ILDFA Vice President Chase Baker and Board Member Dr. Clifford Shipley believe that Illinois, a state with a very good reputation for raising deer, is a perfect choice and central location for hosting NADeFA. “Springfield is a good city with easy access from the interstate and airport to the hotel,” Dr. Shipley said. In addition, ILDFA members hope Illinois “gains the exposure it deserves in being a great state to be a deer farmer,” Baker added. “We see it continuing to be that way in the future.”

As bright as the future is for Illinois deer farmers, is the prospect for new NADeFA attendees to make life-long friends and business partners, and for more

seasoned attendees to strengthen and deepen existing relationships. In addition to events such as the anticipated Antler Competition, Silent Auction, Benefit Auction, Consignment Auction, Dart Gun Competition, Coloring and Photo contest is the convention hall itself, featuring booths from deer farms as well as those promoting various products and services geared toward helping a deer farmer succeed.

“There are approximately 2,500 members reached through our publications with the various state deer associations,” Giesen emphasized. “Therefore, I feel there should be at least 2,500 people that attend NADeFA. Many deer farmers have never been to a national convention. Everyone owes it to themselves to go. Sponsorships, and the recognition that comes with that, are also available for anyone who wishes to sponsor a meal or an event.”

To register for NADeFA or to have a booth, visit the NADeFA website under NADeFA 2024. “We are expecting a good size crowd,” Schafer said. “This is an event the whole family will enjoy. Plan on attending. You will really have a great time.”

For more information:

www.nadefa.org

Phone: 330.454.3944 • Fax: 330.454.3950

Email: info@nadefa.org

Science that delivers the health & performance you require

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Top dress or mix in feed from February-September (critical antler growth season)

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Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, and other key times during the year

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Top dress or mix in feeds during times of disease outbreaks or expected stress periods until conditions improve

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ImmWave ® is designed to give immediate boost to immune system

Novel formula delivers rapid response for critically ill fawns and older deer

Can also be used post tranquilization to help speed recovery

THE NORTH AMERICAN DEER REGISTRY (NADR)

OFFERING MORE SERVICES AND INNOVATION FOR BREEDING AND MANAGING DEER

By: Gail Veley

• Sponsored by IWDA Deer farmers, through the unwavering innovations of NADR, can now know exactly which GEBV markers and codons their deer possess, along with standard DNA parentage markers. “Our recently upgraded technology is allowing us to include GEBV markers and codon information with our standard parentage testing,” said NADR Executive Director Gary Cook. “This information allows breeders to maximize the reduction risk regarding CWD. The science allows them to genetically reconstruct their herds, making them less likely for CWD to occur, by virtually layering genetics from animals that are less susceptible to CWD. This will greatly influence breeding decisions as well as the future of the deer industry.”

Established in 2007 as an independent agency to help validate the deer industry, NADR has also recently purchased Game Management Solutions (GMS) software from NADeFA. “Our goal is to reinvent it so it can be opened from a phone and utilized in web-based applications,” Cook said. “We’ve been spending considerable time and effort revamping it to make it a much more powerful tool.” GMS, a tracking system designed to help manage every aspect of deer farming, will be available on a subscription basis in late winter or early spring, depending on when NADR is ready to introduce it. Currently, NADR maintains a DNA registry for whitetail, fallow and mule deer and as such, has tested almost 400,000 tissue samples. In addition, NADR is working on adding SNP markers for axis deer that will be available in 2024. Deer farmers looking to sell, breed or participate in consignment sales are strongly encouraged to register their deer with NADR, through the submission of tissue samples. Sample submission options include an excel spreadsheet,

GMS software or manually. Samples could include pulled (not shaved) hair between 30-50 millimeters long from the underside of the tail, an antler core from the base of a shed antler, semen straws or used semen straws with the cotton plug still intact. However, AllFlex tissue tubes can be handled much quicker through an automated process versus hair or blood, explained Lindsey Kogut, NADR Senior Lead Scientist. “We need to constantly remind people that we’ve grown, and samples can take weeks to process,” she said. “The earlier you get them to us the better. We will keep you informed and let you know when it’s in process.” One of the advantages of the revamped GMS software will be the ability to notify breeders when samples are in process and when results are available.

As a more recent staff edition, Kogut, is responsible for ensuring parentage and GEBV results are reviewed and released to the breeders in an accurate and timely manner. Drawing from the extensive research conducted by Dr. Christopher Seabury, Kogut spends a considerable amount of time talking with deer farmers in an effort to explain

the latest CWD research and how GEBV’s and codons influence resistance. “Genetic improvement for reduced CWD susceptibility is not a single step process. It is a work in progress and is a standard practice in commercial/production livestock species as well,” Kogut said. “This information takes the guess work out of it and can provide an immense level of comfort to deer farmers. I cannot imagine where the deer breeding industry would be without the efforts of NADR.”

“We continue to work hard to provide the very best tools and the most valuable information in a genetic registry,” Cook said. “NADR is ever continuing to seek ways to use technology to provide knowledge and state of the art services to our customers.”

You may reach NADR staff by calling 405-513-7228, faxing them at 405-513-7238, sending an email to nadr@deerregistry.com or visiting their website at www:deerregistry.com. NADR is located at 1601 Medical Center Drive, Suite 1, Edmond, OK, 73034.

HARRISBURG OVERVIEW

Budget

While the 2023-24 budget was completed less than two months ago, Governor Shapiro delivered the 2024-25 budget proposal on Tuesday, February 6th. This officially started the next budget season.

The Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposal is a $48.3 billion plan, a 7.5% increase over last year’s budget. The plan does not create broad-based taxes. However, the plan would pull $3 billion out of the state’s rainy-day fund and would create taxes on potentially legalized recreational marijuana and casino-style video games.

In addition to the pitch to legalize recreational marijuana, Governor Shapiro also called for $1.6 billion in new funding for K-12 basic education, $3 million to support a new student meal program for the summer months, and an increase of the minimum wage to $15/hour beginning on July 1, 2024.

For the next few weeks, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will host budget hearings with the state agencies. Budget hearings allow each state agency the public opportunity to promote their successes over the past year, discuss upcoming projects and costs, and pending legislation with legislators. Legislators will incorporate this feedback into the ongoing budget negotiations.

House of Representatives

The House continues to have very close margins between the number of Democrats and Republicans. Without a clear majority, it’s difficult for either caucus to successfully pass controversial bills through the chamber. So far this session, whenever a split ratio occurred, voting session was put on hold in the House.

Representative John Galloway (D-Bucks) recently resigned after his successful election for district judge in Falls Township. His resignation brought House Democrats down to 101 seats, an even split with Republicans. The special election to fill the vacancy can’t be held until 60 days after the resignation, so the split ratios will continue at least until the special election on February 13th.

Shortly before Galloway’s resignation, the House released their 2024 session days, showing only one voting session day between January 1st and March 18th. The House Democrats, who manage the session schedule, explained that a roof leak above the House chamber will be repaired during this delayed start. Many speculate over the timing of the repairs and the special election.

Senate

Senate Republicans continue to hold the majority with 28 seats. Senate Democrats have 22 seats.

We are over half-way through the two-year legislative cycle (2023-24). All bills have until November 30th, 2024 to be signed into law, otherwise they are effectively dead and have to restart the legislative process in the next session. So far, less than 3% of introduced bills have made it across the Governor’s desk and signed into law.

Legislation

Milliron Goodman utilizes a legislative tracking software system. We maintain a running track record of all introduced bills that could impact PDFA members and keep you updated as the bills move through the legislative process. Below are just a few of the bills that we are currently tracking:

• Senator Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) has circulated a co-sponsorship memo announcing his intention to introduce a bill that will:

o Add a 10th seat to the PA Game Commission Board. This member will come from the agricultural community.

o The bill has not been introduced yet.

• SB 979 (Culver, R-Columbia): Amends Title 3 (Agriculture) by providing the Department of Agriculture with the authority to require the posting of dangerous transmissible disease information at domestic animal and feed locations where animals and feed are offered for public sale.

o The bill passed out of the Senate with unanimous support. It is now waiting for consideration by the House Agriculture Committee.

• HB 1340 (Miller, R-Lancaster): Amends the Tax Reform Code by excluding fencing materials and supplies used for agricultural purposes from the sales tax.

o The bill was reintroduced and referred to the House Finance Committee.

December 2023 Meetings

In December, President John Manta and Past President Josh Newton came to the Capitol for a productive day of meetings. We met with House Game & Fisheries Committee Chairs Anita Kulik (D-Allegheny) and Dave Maloney (R-Berks) as well as Senate Agriculture Committee Chairs Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) and Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Senate Game & Fisheries Committee Chair Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland).

The primary focus of the discussions was on CWD- Genomic Predictive System and its longterm potential for success in both the agriculture and game industries.

PA Preferred Reception

Milliron Goodman and Josh Newton attended the PA Preferred Reception on January 5th at the Farm Show.

Many legislators, Capitol staff, and members from the Department of Agriculture (DOA) attended the event, offering the public an opportunity to interact with the officials in a more relaxed environment.

To name a few, we spoke with House Agriculture Committee Chairmen Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) and Dan Moul (R-Adams), Representative Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland), Representative Torren Ecker (R-Adams), Representative Justin Fleming (D-Dauphin), as well as DOA Secretary Russell Redding, DOA Deputy Secretary Greg Hostetter and Dr. Alex Hamberg.

Cornucopia

PDFA plans to participate in the annual Cornucopia event on March 18th at 5pm.

This is another opportunity for PDFA to showcase the industry with legislators in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol. Both the House and Senate are scheduled to be in session, so there will likely be plenty of opportunities to interact with our state’s decision-makers. It’s also not unusual for DOA Secretary Redding and staff to attend the event.

Milliron Goodman will attend and help make introductions.

Legislative Tours

For the past couple of years, PDFA board members have been hosting the House/Senate Agriculture & Game Committee Members at their farms. This gives legislators a unique and often first-time experience on a deer farm. Farmers showcase their deer, facilities, and provide education on compliance with DOA’s regulations.

Because the tours have been so successful and we have received positive feedback from legislators and staff, we will likely continue the tours this spring and fall. Dates/times TBD.

THANK YOU

As always, thank you for trusting us to represent you in the Capitol. We look forward to another productive year!

SELLING DEER NORTH TO SOUTH

INSIGHT FROM SOUTH DAKOTA

By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by South Dakota Deer & Elk Breeders Association

Selling and moving stocker deer from northern to southern states generally revolves around one important factor – the first hard frost. In an effort to avoid epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) outbreaks, it is safer and more advisable to wait until the possibility of EHD has passed for the year, shares Greg Leenderts, Vice-Chairman of the South Dakota Deer and Elk Breeder’s Association (SDEBA). After the first hard frost, most culicoides midge flies, the “no-see-um” biting flies responsible for transmitting the disease, have died off. In states such as Kansas, this happens much earlier in the year as opposed to states such as Texas where the climate can remain warmer well into the fall.

Although deer might develop a certain degree of immunity to EHD for the particular region where they live (and may even receive a vaccine), several strains of EHD are found throughout the U.S., as there are more than 1,000 culicoides species. Known to affect whitetail deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep, EHD is a blood borne disease and the most prominent infectious disease among whitetails. However, while outbreaks

can prove quite deadly, the disease is not contagious.

“Deer in northern states deal with different EHD strains than deer in southern states,” said Leenderts, who owns Whitetail Farms in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. “There is a fine and tricky line as to when you should transport.” And while he can never guarantee that a northern deer will not succumb to EHD in the south (despite administering vaccines, feeding vitamins such as “K” to boost their immune system and using fly spray), he can guarantee that northern deer will be naturally hearty with sizable racks and substantive bodies. “Hunters really like them because they look mature even when they are younger,” Leenderts explained. “The yearlings mix right in with the older ones.”

Having spent the better part of ten years raising a CWD certified herd and selling and transporting typical whitetail deer and mule deer to certain southern states, Leenderts, 43, appreciates the business relationships he has established and keeps in contact with each preserve throughout the year. “I don’t sell mine until they are done growing and don’t price the deer until

early fall,” he said. “There can be a huge price difference in having ten more typical inches on a rack versus not.”

Other considerations when selling and transporting northern raised deer to southern states, is the unavoidable temperature fluctuation between colder and warmer climates. “Your trailer ventilation is key along with air conditioning,” Leenderts said. “If your deer get warm, they are going to get worked up. It’s also always better to haul at night when temperatures are cooler.”

In addition to his loyal customers who keep him busy, Leenderts is also grateful for the support shown to deer farmers in his state by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “We have a supportive government here and it’s great,” he said. “Having moved here from Minnesota three years ago, I can tell you that South Dakota is a very welcoming place to raise deer.”

SUDOKU

The rules for sudoku are simple:

A 9x9 square must be filled in with numbers from 1-9 with no repeated numbers in each line, horizontally or vertically.

To challenge you more, there are 3x3 squares marked out in the grid, and each of these squares can’t have any repeat numbers either.

Answers to puzzles will be available in the next issue, or can be found on our website: www.deersites.com

Dana & Ella Hoover

4456 Champlin Rd. Penn Yan, NY 14527

P 315.595.2202

F 315.595.8863

dana@ibyfax.com

Raising Quality Whitetails Bucks, Does, & Fawns For Sale

If you would like your farm or business featured on our business card pages, email digital pdf file or scanned image (must be readable resolution) of your business card to: Tess Stevenson: office@pdfa.com This gives PDFA members a way to reach out to one another for services and to buy or sell deer! There will be limited pages for these card spreads, first come first serve. The overflow would be placed in the next issue and cards will be rotated each quarter.

PENNSYLVANIA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

(Please check one) ❑ New ❑ Renewal - Member #____________ (if known)

Membership Name:___________________________________________Date________________

Farm Name:_____________________________________________________________________

City:_______________________State:_______Zip:_____________County___________________

Phone #1 (will appear in directory)________________________ Phone #2:______________________

Fax:____________________________E-mail:__________________________________________ Website_________________________________________________________________________

I am joining as (please check one)

❑ Active PA Propagator* (voting privileges) - $100.00

❑ Associate Member (non-voting) - $75.00

❑ Life Member* (voting privileges) - $1,000.00

*Must be a Pennsylvania resident

IMPORTANT

Please check all that apply:

❑ Farm ❑ Hunting Ranch

Ranch Name & Contact info if different from Farm:

I hereby make application to the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, Inc. and certify that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature:___________________________________________

Submitted by Tammy Tubbs, Snyders Whitetails

Ingredients

• 5lbs pork belly

• 5lbs venison both

• 3 Tbs Salt

• 3 Tbs Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

1. Grind Pork Belly and Venison together, mix in salt and pepper well.

2. Use your hands to form patties then fry on low heat.

3. Enjoy!

Last Issues Puzzles ~ Answer Keys ~

Colorful fawns available spring ‘24 (18 does bred to pieds!)

@1 (a new breed of “melanistic pieds”)

Special thanks to WILLIE GOLDEN (WKG WHITETAILS) for buying half interest in Blue Ghost! (pure white 7x8 typ. 30” inside)

Genotype - SS

Genotype - GS