Summer is one of the most important seasons in our industry. Across Pennsylvania, fawns are on the ground, bucks are in prime antler growth, and producers are focused on the daily work that drives healthy herds and successful operations. This is the season where genetics, nutrition, and herd health programs all come together in the field.
As an association, PDFA continues to focus on the core principles that define our industry: healthy animals, science-based management, responsible land stewardship, advocacy, and education. Pennsylvania deer farmers play an important role in supporting rural economies while preserving and improving habitat and agricultural land across the Commonwealth.
Modern cervid operations continue to evolve through the use of advancing technologies and data-driven management tools. Implementing science-backed programs for herd health, genetics, and disease mitigation remains critical to the long-term success and sustainability of our farms. The future of our industry depends on continuing to improve while remaining practical and responsible
Over the past several months, PDFA has remained active both in Pennsylvania and nationally. Recently, Glenn Dice and I traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent Pennsylvania deer farmers and participate in discussions impacting the cervid industry. During the trip, we met with representatives from the USDA, Safari Club International (SCI), and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus to discuss issues involving wildlife policy, conservation/hunting, disease management, and the future of private cervid operations.
A highlight of the trip was meeting with Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Congressman Thompson has been a vocal supporter of deer farming and the cervid industry from day one, particularly regarding ongoing efforts surrounding CWD research, management, and policy. We appreciate his continued willingness to engage with producers and advocate for practical, science-based approaches that support agriculture and rural communities.
On the USDA side, updated Program Standards are expected to be released soon for public comment. Throughout this process, we have been vocal in advocating for a more practical, science-based approach—not only regarding CWD, but also issues involving Tuberculosis (TB) and Brucellosis.
PDFA continues to support responsible disease management and herd health programs. However, regulations must be grounded in sound science, real-world field application, and common sense. Producers need a framework that allows them to operate, improve, and thrive, not one that creates unnecessary burdens or traps farms in an endless cycle of regulation without measurable benefit.
As these new standards move through the public comment process, PDFA will continue engaging with industry leaders, policymakers, and regulatory agencies to ensure the voice of Pennsylvania deer farmers is represented clearly and professionally.
We have also continued working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on issues impacting producers across the state. One exciting development is the continued discussion surrounding grant funding opportunities for GEBV testing. These types of programs represent a major opportunity for producers by helping support the implementation of advanced genetic technologies that can improve herd quality, animal performance, and long-term breeding programs within Pennsylvania.
PDFA also remains engaged on ongoing regulatory discussions, including continued feedback regarding the CCMZ framework and other CWD-related policies. Our goal continues to be straightforward: support practical, science-based disease management while ensuring regulations remain workable for producers in the field.
Education and outreach also remain central to our mission. From the Pennsylvania Farm Show to legislative events in Harrisburg and ongoing conversations with state agencies, PDFA continues working to represent deer farmers as a legitimate, professional, and important part of Pennsylvania agriculture.
As we move through summer and begin preparing for fall, we are excited about several upcoming events. Most notably, we encourage everyone to join us for our PA Eastern Fall Stocker Auction, which will feature a new format designed to continue growing the event and creating additional opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
So as the summer progresses, focus on the fundamentals:
Grow good fawns. Grow giant bucks. Build healthy herds. Improve your land.
And most importantly, stay involved and continue supporting the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing many of you this fall.
Respectfully,
Josh Newton
President
Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association
