Northeast Deer & Elk Farmers

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.

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.