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UPPER MIDWEST

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY MARKET YOUR BRAND

Sponsored by KALA

MINNESOTA DEER FARMERS STILL FACE DILEMMAS WITH DOUBLE FENCING RULE

Sponsored by CDA

Sponsored by MDFA

DREAM GENOMICS DEEP INTO PHASE TWO OF CWD CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Sponsored by ILdfa

Inside This Issue:

Dedication is exactly what every successful deer farmer learns and what Stefanowicz now exuberates not just in owning and operating Awesome Whitetails in Middlebury Center, Pennsylvania with her husband Jason, but also in her job as an Accounts Receivable staff member for D & K Design. D & K Design, producer of 11 quarterly state deer association magazines, saw Stefanowicz as the perfect fit for the job.

“I’ve known Amy for years, along with Jason,” said D & K Design Magazine Editor Kathy Giesen. “When I heard that Amy was looking for a part-time job, Jason joked that she could come work for me. Well, I took him up on it. Amy is very personable, well-known in the deer industry and very detail oriented. We are so glad to have her on board.”

As a young girl growing up on a hobby farm near Telford, Pennsylvania where

“Amy with all of her kids”

great example of devotion back then, and along with it they both nurtured their daughter’s interest in agriculture, 4-H and even bowling. As the years passed, Stefanowicz found herself drawn to both horses and teaching, and even dreamed of becoming a barrel racing competitor on the national circuit. Ultimately, she was compelled to pursue early childhood education at Montgomery Community College, shortly after graduating from Dock Mennonite Academy.

Later, she met Jason at a birthday party, ultimately fell in love and married him on September 11th, the same day as her birthday, in 1999. Now, through the creation of their deer farm and the daily caring for deer, Stefanowicz has found the perfect combination of her passions as a teacher and animal lover. Her advice on raising fawns has been sought out by uncountable people in the deer

as devoted to their deer as she and Jason are, as it allows her and Jason to attend industry events on a fairly regular basis.

If she had but one wish, it would be that her parents were still alive, sharing in all the joys and challenges of raising deer. However, she finds comfort in knowing her success is firmly rooted in the life lessons they taught her. If you don’t already know Amy, visit the D & K Design booth at the next event they may be found at, and say hi!

President’s Message

Summer 2026

North Dakota Annual Event

Hoping to Draw a Large Membership Base

An invitation from NDDR President Mike Elsberry

Sunday, August 30th, 2026, the North Dakota Deer Ranchers are having their annual event starting at 1 p.m. at Sandy Oaks Lodge in Towner, North Dakota, three miles south of Denbigh. We are excited to be meeting at this brand-new facility owned by Russell and Laura Lunde and are very grateful for their hospitality. Our agenda includes guest speakers such as Shawn Schafer, along with an update from the Animal Industry Board. We hope Chris Ryckman will be among us as well. Attendees can also expect great food, ranch tours and maybe even a few games like a dart gun competition. If anyone is willing to coordinate a dart gun competition, please let me know.

Right now, we have close to 25 deer farms in North Dakota and each year it seems we add one or two more. We have a great state to raise whitetail and mule deer, and our governmental bodies just couldn’t be better. The state treats us so well. We are very optimistic that it will continue to be this way. In terms of you, our members, we don’t ask a lot from you except to support our event and renew your membership. However, we would like to see more members attend not only our state event, but NADeFA as well. Forming strong relationships now, when things are going so well, could greatly help us in the future, should things ever start to adversely change. Please mark your calendars! We need you.

We look forward to hopefully seeing everyone on August 30th. If you plan on attending, please call or text me at 701-340-4445. Thank you and see you soon!!

Board of Directors

Mike Elsberry

President (2027)

Dakota Muleys 2138 US 2

Emerado, ND 58228

701-340-4445 dakotamuleys@gmail.com

Lani Schafer

Treasurer (2027)

1223 18th Ave NW

Turtle Lake, ND 58575

Mike Ryckman

Vice President (2026)

Ryckman Whitetails PO Box 565

Linton, ND 58552

Chris Ryckman (2027)

Missouri Valley Muleys 6160 Hiway 1804

Bismarck, ND 58504

Russell Lunde (2028)

Sandy Oaks Lodge 622 79th St N

Upham, ND 58789

701-263-1868

Bob Miller (2026)

Evolution Whitetails 10801 52nd St NE

Bismarck, ND 58503

Travis Phelps - 2023-2026

Interim President & Vice President

Moultrie County Monsters 1535 CB 750 E. Sullivan, IL 61951 217-246-1319 mocomonsters@gmail.com

Dr Ray FaveroWhitetail Genetics

700 E Main St

Braidwood, IL 60408 815-341-4109 drfavero@hotmail.com

Board of Directors

Rick Davidson - 2023-2026

Illinois Dominant Bucks 12035 N Fox Rd Marshall, IL 62441 217- 260-2825 illinoisdominantbucks@gmail.com

Rusty Karr - 2022-2025

Dominant Genetics PO Box 138 Wapella, IL 61777 309- 275-9567 rusty_k2000@yahoo.com

Larry Hackethal - 2021-2024 PO Box 655 Cobden, IL 62920 618- 893-2252 pro1ab@frontier.com

Ryan Sauls - 2024-2027

Flatland Whitetails 1279 Co. Rd. 500 East Enfield, IL 62835 618-380-3073 chanda_1221@hotmail.com

Kevin WilliamsWilliams Bison & Elk Farm Williamson Ln Canton, IL 61520 309-224-7733 williamselkfarm@gmail.com

Sarah Hamm Secretary Hamm's Whitetail Farm 702 N Liberty St. Vermont, IL 61484 309-401-5738 hammswhitetailfarm@gmail.com

Mark Voss - 2024-2027 Treasurer Voss Whitetails 12430 SLANT RD Carlyle, IL62231 618-343-5653 vosswhitetails@gmail.com

Billie Rix - 2023-2026

Red Wire Ranch 7350 Old Stage Rd Morris, IL 60450 630-816-8977 billierix@yahoo.com

David Fields Fields Whitetail 21722 Keyesport Rd Keyesport, IL 62253 618-973-3654 davidducks77@hotmail.com

Mark Mann Red Wire Ranch 7350 Old Stage Rd Morris, IL 60450 815-955-1083 markamann62@gmail.com

Jeff Williamson J & S Scents PO Box 102 Dongola, IL 62926 618-614-4051 deerpeeman3@yahoo.com

Adam Helgeland

President

Trophy Whitetail Deer 15425 450th St. Leland, IA 50453 641-590-3410 adamhelgeland@gmail.com

Jake Lahr

Treasurer

Double "O" Whitetails 2608 325th St Hopkinton, IA 52237 319-975-0005 jlahr.w@gmail.com

Mike Hine

Timberghost Ranch PO Box 545 Mediapolis, IA 52639 319-394-9876 mike@timberghost.com

Matt Nebel

River Bottom Game Farm 2717 275th Ave Dewitt, IA 52742 563-580-4149

Adam Laubenthal

Luby’s Custom Whitetails 715 11th Ave SW Spencer, IA 51301 712-240-2818

Board of Directors

Fred Huebner

Vice President

Circle H Ranch

2575 Iowa Keokuk Rd. North English, IA 52316 319-530-7824 circleh@netins.net

Zach Hayden

Secretary 1204 450th st Northwood, IA 50459

Roger Strunk

Strunk's Whitetail Haven 508 Franklin 3rd St West Point, IA 52656 319-470-2413 rlstrunk@yahoo.com

Chad Machart

Prairie Antler Ranch 24424 180th St Anamosa, IA 52205 319-540-9311

Iowa Whitetail Deer Association 2026 College Scholarship Recipiant

Adalyn Ricke

The Iowa Whitetail Deer Association is proud to announce Adalyn Ricke of Lisbon, Iowa, as the recipient of our 2026 College Scholarship.

A 2026 graduate, Adalyn will attend Iowa State University this fall, where she plans to pursue a degree in Animal Science (Pre-Veterinary). Her dedication to academics, passion for animal care, and commitment to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine made her an outstanding candidate for this year's scholarship.

Supporting the next generation of leaders, conservationists, and animal enthusiasts is an important part of the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association's mission. We are honored to invest in students like Adalyn, who demonstrate the drive and determination to make a positive impact in their communities and chosen professions.

Congratulations, Adalyn, on this welldeserved achievement! We are excited to award you this scholarship and look forward to following your journey at Iowa State University. We wish you every success in your studies and can't wait to see where your future in veterinary medicine takes you.

From all of us at the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association, best of luck as you begin this exciting new chapter!

Board of Directors

Scott Fier

President

Buffalo Ridge Whitetails 3788 260th Ave

Porter, MN 56280

507-829-3151

fierscott@gmail.com

Steph Buchner

B&B Trophy Whitetails 716 N Central St Warren, MN 56762

218-686-9863

volkwhitetails@outlook.com Deb

Gary Olson

Olson Whitetails

34526 State Hwy 30

Lanesboro, MN 55949

507-269-9791

garypolson2005@yahoo.com

Ken Williams

Williams Whitetails

30567 440TH ST

Melrose, MN 56352

320-291-3385

kwilliams7777@outlook.com

Mary Volk

DeerMomma Embroidery Volk Whitetails 9095 160th Ave

Royalton, MN 56373

320-232-7493

deermomma@outlook.com

Friday, August 21 ∙ 10AM

Friday, August 21 ∙ 10AM

Sept. 1

Submit Final Photo Or Photos Sept. 11 Mail Date Expected In hand Sept. 18

Every year I grab my Showcase magazine and start hunting for the perfect semen for our breeding season. — Pennsylvania Deer Breeder Don’t miss your opportunity to feature your buck with a last-minute grown-out photo!

Minnesota Deer Farmers Still Face Dilemmas with Double Fencing Rule

Out of the 70 or so deer farms still operating in the State of Minnesota, nine farms are still struggling to comply with a double fencing recommendation, which became effective in September of 2024 by the amendment of Statute 35.155. It changed virtually everything for Minnesota deer farmers when it became enforced, including the inability to start new deer farms or sell an existing farm to anyone but immediate family, along with the recommendation to erect a double fence around the entirety of an existing farm two to three feet away from the primary fence, with the intent of preventing wild and farmed deer from having any physical contact.

Erecting a double fence could entail using an identical fence to the current primary one, shade cloth attached directly onto a primary fence, a fivestrand electric fence, wooden fence or various other pre-approved options. The cost, the time and perhaps the unfairness of it all has added to the hesitancy of complying, said Scott Fier, President of the Minnesota Deer Farmers Association. “In my opinion, nowhere does it state that putting up a secondary fence is a law. And additional fences have been proven in the industry to be ineffective in controlling CWD and impossible to manage with property lines, easements, difficult terrain and wooded areas,” Fier said. “If the DNR wants a fence up, they can pay for it as we the producers have already paid for and erected a fence that meets the standards that are in the statute.”

However, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as a state agency, is obligated to enforce laws that are passed by the state legislature and if noncompliance is found

they are obligated to seek compliance, said Eric Nelson, Interim MDNR Farmed and Feral Program Supervisor. The MDNR is willing to consider and potentially approve other fencing options from the nine deer farms that have yet to comply, said MDNR Conservation Officer Lieutenant Chad Thesing. Currently, these nine deer farms have been issued Notices of Violation as well as a $500 Civil Penalty Fine being processed in court at the time this article was written. Should the deer farms continue to remain in violation of Statute 35.155, their farm license will eventually be revoked. “I can see the hardships involved in this,” Thesing, 50, said. “At this point, most of the other deer farms who complied are using shade cloth or an identical fence,” he said. “Very few are using an electric fence. My job is to enforce the laws whether I personally agree or not.”

If approved by the MDNR, additional forms of double fencing could include a wrought iron fence or perhaps a welded steel fence. Any deer farmer wishing to propose their idea for a secondary fence should schedule a meeting with Lt. Thesing while there is still time. While the horizon has appeared bleak for some time in Minnesota for deer farmers, there has also been welcomed Democratic support from Senator Aric Putnam, District 14 and Chairman of the Minnesota AG Committee. Putnam, passed a bill out of his committee and off the senate floor that strikes out the language of "prevent physical contact between captive and wild deer.” Fier expressed appreciation for this and to everyone who considers the industry’s point of view.

UpperMidwest Magazine Deadlines 2026

Spring: April 21st

Summer: July 21st

Fall: October 27th

Winter: January 26th, ‘27

Indiana Deer & Elk Farmers Association - July 31-Aug 1st - Nappanee IN

KALA Summer Showcase - Aug 8, 2026

Missouri Deer Association Picnic & Meeting - Aug 8, 2026 - Clark, MO

Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio Convention - Aug 13-14, 2026

Illinois Deer Farmers Fall Picnic - Aug 15th - Carlyle, IL

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Fall Stocker Auction - Aug 29th - State College, PA

Southern Top 30 - Aug 20-21, 2026 - Louisiana

Whitetails of Louisiana - Aug 21-22, 2026 - Marksville, LA

TDA Annual Convention - Aug 28-29, 2026 - San Antonio, TX

North Dakota Deer Ranchers Summer Picnic - Aug 30, 2026 - Towner, ND

Iowa Whitetail Deer Farmers Winter Meeting - Feb 27, 2027 - Waterloo, IA

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Winter Benefit Auction - Feb 26-27

Use this QR Code or go online to DeerSites.com for more deadlines and up to date event information!

DREAM GENOMICS

DEEP INTO PHASE TWO OF CWD CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

ith Phase One for developing a blood test for early CWD detection essentially in their rearview mirror, scientists at Dream Genomics, a visionary biotech firm started in 2023 and based out of Northbrook, Illinois, are now deeply entrenched in Phase Two, Biological Confirmation. This second phase is moving ever closer to finishing up, explained Dr. Gary M. Pusateri, CEO and Founder of Dream Genomics. Biological confirmation, Phase Two, entails gathering sample after sample from virtually anywhere CWD is detected in the U.S. and Canada in whitetails, mule deer and elk, and pinning down the specific genes that distinguish themselves as being the answer to the diagnosis of CWD.

Phase Two has involved extensive travel, time, effort and research on behalf of Dr. Pusateri as well as Dr. Michael Falduto, Chief Technology Officer and Founder and Dr. Scott Magnuson, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder. The more testing that takes place during Phase Two, the closer they come to being 90 percent accurate

(or better) as to which specific genes reveal the presence of CWD, regardless of the location a deer farmer raises deer. As this dedicated trio of scientists works diligently to finish Phase Two and continue onto Phase Three, Assay Development, they are very grateful for those investors who have allowed their work to move forward. However, they are also hopeful that new investors will contribute in order to more fully guarantee their work can be seen to full fruition. “We aren’t connected to a university,” Dr. Pusateri explained. “We currently rely on support from our investors, grants and self-funding for everything that we do.”

To come full circle in their gamechanging quest, Phase Three, the final phase, involves moving accurate and targeted samples onto PCR plates. Assuming CWD positive genes become paired down to the fewest specific and acutely accurate number needed for testing, more tests could be run per plate, therefore not costing a deer farmer as much money to test their herd. “This is why Phase Two is so important,” Dr. Pusateri explained.

“We want to ultimately be so accurate that both time and money are saved. We are doing whatever it takes to be at that point. We are looking at a 24hour turnaround once Phase Three becomes fully operational.”

If any deer association, private individual or corporation is interested in donating or investing in Dream Genomics research, please contact Dr. Pusateri at his office at 847-2919602 or his cell phone at 715-8917878 or email him at gpusateri@ dreamgx.com. Potential investors can also check out the website at www:dreamgx.com. “The best part about supporting our research is that you have two very large opportunities to gain,” Dr. Pusateri said. “One, in making live diagnostics available to all and helping the entire industry permanently move forward. Secondly, with potential personal gains from investing in the company. If the USDA accredits this test, a deer that tests negative could potentially be moved anywhere, opening doors for deer farmers to completely flourish rather than be held back by regulations.”

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Spreading a Positive Deer Farming Message

SharingFlorida’sInsight

Sam Petersheim fills and checks the feeder he provides outside his fence for the local wild deer, as often as he fills and checks the feeders inside his fence, for his very own deer. Of the eight wild does who visited his feeder this past spring, only three out of the eight had fawns, while one adult doe had only one fawn. “What happened to the other 60 percent?” Petersheim wonders. Actually, he already knows the answer. “We have an abundance of bobcats and coyotes and panthers here in Florida and fawns are part of what they live on.”

Petersheim started deer farming in 2002 in Illinois, eventually ending up in 2022 in Myakka City, Florida at Crescent Ranch, where through it all he’s noticed a trend. While making money is certainly a goal with deer farming, it is not the number one goal. “Deer can be raised on land not suitable for other farmed species yet can still provide safe forage and habitat for native species such the gopher tortoise and sandhill cranes. We look out for them, too,” Petersheim, 70, explained. “The average life span of an adult deer in the wild is about 1.5 years, if they even make it to adult-

hood. The deer at a farm or pre serve receive the very best care. Rais ing deer is very therapeutic and very addictive. You get to see the fruits of your labor into building what you have. We are working hard to perpetuate a species that isn’t as prevalent in the wild as it used to be.”

As more and more land is encroached upon by humans for development, wild spaces for hunting are becoming more rare. “People are not being able to hunt in the wild as they did in the past because of poor land management practices, fighting with other hunters and shooting deer too young,” said Blaine Flynn of Flynn Farms near Pensacola, Florida. “This forces hunters into high fence hunting, which offers something the wild might not. A chance to leave with something.”

Flynn feels there are many false misconceptions about high fence hunting. “You can find good and bad hunts, but I’m a firm believer that the industry as a whole is doing everything as ethically as we can,” Flynn, 38, emphasized. “The only time you see a fence at my place is when you’re pulling in. With preserves, we

can control the genetics inside the fence and keep bad genetics out. This will ultimately benefit wild deer, too. Deer farming is also a recognized and supported form of agriculture. It is not illegal to raise deer.”

In addition to sharing a deep passion for raising quality deer, Petersheim and Flynn value the friendships and working relationships they have formed from being in the industry. And perhaps even greater in longterm value is breeding towards CWD resistance, driven 100 percent by deer farmers and preserve owners. “If the state of Florida started letting us turn our deer out in the wild, we could possibly save the native deer population here,” Flynn said. “Deer farmers are changing their entire breeding programs and leaving prominent bucks on the back burner in order to make genetic advancements towards CWD resistance. At the end of the day, there is no greater commitment towards conservation then this.”

How to EffEctivEly MarkEt your Brand

Actually, it’s quite simple. If you want customers to buy deer from you, they need to know who you are. In an industry where many deer farmers could be “one test away” from losing everything, keeping your farm viable and profitable is paramount. In doing so, the financial ability to breed for markers and be seen in a more problem solving or proactive role to government agencies becomes more of a reality, said Grayson Steele of ACE Whitetails in Anderson County, Kentucky.

ACE Whitetails, started in 2022, caters more to the stocking end of the industry and breeds mainly typical deer. They find Facebook to be among one of the best ways to get their name and their product noticed. “I think the KALA magazine is helpful, too,” Steele, 25, said. “Being an active KALA member allows you to network within the state and is your first line of defense in staying proactive and aware of legislation. Attending events really helps. Websites and social media are another way for people to find out about you. But the more you get out there the better everyone will know you. There shouldn’t be an event where you don’t know someone.”

As effective as face-to-face networking can be, following a solid business model will also set you up for greater success, said Jason Becker of Finley Ridge Whitetails in Campbellsville, Kentucky. “Everyone getting in the deer business should develop a business model and figure out what you want to do and pick the right does and genetics from the beginning,” Becker, 50, said. “What you produce should depend on who you plan to market to. Your market for stockers is completely different than that for breeders, and your investment strategies are also a whole different thing. There are amazing bucks out there that no one has ever heard of. Partnering with other well-known farms could help spread the word.” Becker agrees that Facebook is an effective marketing tool as well as attending events such as the Blue Grass Trophy Buck Auction held each August in Lexington, Kentucky. “As the industry continues to focus the SS allele and breed for CWD resistance it will give us a lot more opportunities for revenue,” he said.

Breeding for CWD resistance has caused the industry to “re-look” at genetics, explained Mary Ann Hall of

Solid Rock Whitetails in Winchester, Kentucky. Begun in 2018, Hall feels the reputation of Solid Rock has become what markets them the most, as they are very well known in the industry for producing healthy stockers. They also have a good reputation for making things right and being there for advice after the sale. “We let our clients know that we feel our bucks are as healthy as they can possibly be at the time of a sale,” Hall, 52, said. “We are known for honesty. People say our bucks last for the hunting season and we sell both in and out of state.” In Hall’s opinion, given where the industry is at today, being established makes things easier. “When you start out, you’re looking at two to three years before making money and that makes it tough,” she said. “It’s harder now for new farmers and CWD issues makes it even harder. KALA helped defeat House Bill 700. But it’s always in the back of everyone’s mind how tough this industry can be. Having a deer farm where you stand out from the crowd makes a difference.”

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LEARN MORE

Dedication is exactly what every successful deer farmer learns and what Stefanowicz now exuberates not just in owning and operating Awesome Whitetails in Middlebury Center, Pennsylvania with her husband Jason, but also in her job as an Accounts Receivable staff member for D & K Design. D & K Design, producer of 11 quarterly state deer association magazines, saw Stefanowicz as the perfect fit for the job.

“I’ve known Amy for years, along with Jason,” said D & K Design Magazine Editor Kathy Giesen. “When I heard that Amy was looking for a part-time job, Jason joked that she could come work for me. Well, I took him up on it. Amy is very personable, well-known in the deer industry and very detail oriented. We are so glad to have her on board.”

As a young girl growing up on a hobby farm near Telford, Pennsylvania where

Amy Stefanowicz

“Amy with all of her kids”

great example of devotion back then, and along with it they both nurtured their daughter’s interest in agriculture, 4-H and even bowling. As the years passed, Stefanowicz found herself drawn to both horses and teaching, and even dreamed of becoming a barrel racing competitor on the national circuit. Ultimately, she was compelled to pursue early childhood education at Montgomery Community College, shortly after graduating from Dock Mennonite Academy.

Later, she met Jason at a birthday party, ultimately fell in love and married him on September 11th, the same day as her birthday, in 1999. Now, through the creation of their deer farm and the daily caring for deer, Stefanowicz has found the perfect combination of her passions as a teacher and animal lover. Her advice on raising fawns has been sought out by uncountable people in the deer

as devoted to their deer as she and Jason are, as it allows her and Jason to attend industry events on a fairly regular basis.

If she had but one wish, it would be that her parents were still alive, sharing in all the joys and challenges of raising deer. However, she finds comfort in knowing her success is firmly rooted in the life lessons they taught her. If you don’t already know Amy, visit the D & K Design booth at the next event they may be found at, and say hi!

~ Amy

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 the email address below.

This gives Upper Midwest 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.

ILDFA: Lisa_shepard83@yahoo.com

IWDA: adamhelgeland@gmail.com

MDFA: fierscott@gmail.com

NDDRA: ryckman219@gmail.com

SDDEBA: jamesfam13@outlook.com

If you have any questions please contact: Kathy Giesen: 435-817-0150

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NADEFA 2026 FLY-IN

In April, NADeFA members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 Fly-In to advocate for critical funding in the fight against Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Representatives from Oklahoma, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia met with their respective lawmakers to underscore the urgent need for federal support. NADeFA members had a total of 85 meetings, including with House and Senate offices from both Democratic and Republican offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and industry partners. These meetings allowed members to educate Congressional members on CWD and reinforce the importance of NADeFA’s FY-27 appropriations requests.

NADeFA members advocated for two comple-mentary federal funding efforts to combat CWD. First, they supported providing $15 million under the Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act to fund competitive grants for states, Tribes, universities, and researchers to study disease transmission, develop vaccines and live diagnostic tests, identify genetic resistance, and expand management and education efforts. Second, they called for $17.5 million for the Cervid Health Appropriations Program, including $12.5 million for the CWD Herd Certification Program and surveillance activities, and $5 million for timely indemnity payments to remove infected animals.

As next steps, Capitol Hill Consulting Group will follow up with House and Senate Appropriations staff, the USDA, Senator John Hoeven, and House Agriculture Committee Chair GT Thompson on behalf of NADeFA to further support the FY-27 appropriations requests.

Appropriations Update

After receiving the President’s budget request, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees started to draft their 12 annual appropriations bills. The House Appropriations Committee has released the schedule for FY27 appropriations bill markups, where each Subcommittee will review its bill. The first markup was held on April 17, with the last one scheduled for June 24. The Senate has yet to release its markup schedule, as they are still holding hearings with agencies to discuss the President’s budget request.

Conclusion

As Congress continues to shape federal funding and longterm agricultural priorities, NADeFA remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for meaningful support in the fight against CWD. NADeFA is committed to ensuring the cervid industry has the resources it needs. We’ll continue to work closely with lawmakers, agency partners, and stakeholders to keep CWD at the forefront of federal policy discussions. Thank you for your continued support as we advance this important work.

Word Search

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.

Barbecue

Carnival

Fireflies

Fireworks

2026 Membership Application

(Illinois) ILDFA: Assoc. Member $25 Active Member $50 Lifetime Member $500 (Iowa) IWDA: _____ Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $100 (Minnesota) MDFA: Assoc. Member $50 _____ Active Member $75 (North Dakota) NDDRA: Assoc. Member $50 Active Member $75 (South Dakota) SDEBA: Assoc. Member $25 _____ Animal Owners $50

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a resident of any of these states and required to be an active member, please select the correct level above. If you are not sure of your membership status with a state and you sign up, your payment will cover you for the next year. *** These states allow anyone that lives in their state and not raising deer but have interest to supporting the industry to be at the Associate Membership Level. This level is a non-voting level.

Name: Spouse or Partner:

Farm Name/Company:

Membership Address: City: State: Zip:____________County

Main preferred listing phone: Alternate listing phone: Fax: Email:

WebSite:

Check which apply ___:Own Hunting Preserve ___Own Breeding Operation ___Industry Supplier Species Raised: ___ Whitetail Deer ___Elk ___Mule Deer Other Species Raised:

Products I Offer: __ Meat __Velvet Antler __ Industry Supplies __ Feed __ Nutritional Supplements ___Vaccine ___Graphic Design & or Web Design Other Products or Services:

I hereby make application for membership to these associations, agreeing to conform to the Code of Ethics and Bylaws governing the associations.

Signature:

Date:

I give permission to have my contact information published in the annual directory and on the website Yes No

Please mail applications to:

ILDFA: Mark Voss, 618-343-5653 IWDA: Adam Helgeland, 15425 450th St., Leland, IA 50453 MDFA: Mark Volk, 9095 160th Ave, Royalton, MN 56373 NDDRA: Lani Schafer, 1223 18th Ave NW, Turtle Lake, ND 58575

SDEBA: Brandon Walker, 19145 Robbs Flat Road, Midland, SD 57552

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