Several years ago,
farmers in Maine, New Hampshire and
Vermont began taking advantage of
changes in the law in their respective
states and raising deer. The herds
in New England are still small and
growing. As they grow, they become
more visible and well known, and
interest in the industry grows.
The venison produced here has met with
an enthusiastic response, and
indications are good that there is a
broad potential market.
To take advantage of that potential
while maintaining high standards of
production processing, and to share
helpful information with regard to all
aspects of deer husbandry, many of the
pioneering deer farmers of northern New
England formed The Northern New England
Deer Farmer's Association, which in 1998
became Northeast Deer & Elk Farmers
(NDEF) to better reflect the change in
the market area and the growing number
of elk farmers.
| Members
of Northeast Deer
& Elk Farmers |
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The Association seeks to aid its members
in several ways. By arranging for
specialists to address the membership at
the annual meeting, the Association
provides a give and take with
knowledgeable authorities on topics of
interest to deer and elk farmers.
Members receive a quarterly newsletter.
The newsletter gives news and advice
from around the world, as well as
announcements of field days and other
events.
Special courses and demonstrations on
topics such as butchering and marketing
and other subjects can be presented to
suit the membership's interests.
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