BEEM FENCING Building Fences That Last Sponsored by UDFOM
MELANISTIC DEER SHOWING A PRESENCE ON DEER FARMS Sponsored by PDFA
OHIO CHRISTIAN AID MINISTRIES SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM Sponsored by WDFO
DEER & ELK PHOTOS WANTED!
Board of Directors
Greg Leenderts Chairman Whitetail Farms 48474 257th St Garretson, SD 57030 507-227-6328 gleenderts@alliancecom.net
Brandon Walker Secretary/Treasurer
Cedar Breaks Mule Deer Ranch 19145 Robbs Flat Road Midland, SD 57552 608-695-0796 brandon@cedarbreaksranch.com
Mark Hollenbeck Sunrise Ranch 277772 Elbow Canyon Road Edgemont, SD 57735 605-685-3376 markholl@gwtc.net
Shane Zylstra Vice-Chairman 28863 471st Ave, Beresford, SD 57004
605-777-2731 shane.zylstra1@gmail.com
Cody Warne Stone Meadow Ranch 3520 LAMBETH PL Pierre, SD 57501
605-222-7407 codybuckwarne@msn.com
Rob Curtis
605-840-1079 rclandd@hotmail.com
Liz Vogelsong 605-310-2703 lizblain21@gmail.com
If any members of SDDEBA or other breeders/ranches of South Dakota have pictures of their deer and or elk please email to Brandon Walker. We are looking for South Dakota deer and elk producer pictures that we can post on our website. We do not need to share your farm/ranch information unless you want us to.
Board of Directors
Scott Fier President
Buffalo Ridge Whitetails 3788 260th Ave Porter, MN 56280
507-829-3151 fierscott@gmail.com
Steve Uchytil
Vice President Crow River Whitetails 14681 175th St NE
Mark Volk Treasurer Volk Whitetails 9095 160th Ave Royalton, MN 56373 320-232-3352 volkwhitetails@outlook.com
Atwater, MN 56209 320-894-1914
crowriverwhitetails@gmail.com
Steve Porter
Gary Olson
Olson Whitetails
34526 State Hwy 30 Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-269-9791 garypolson2005@yahoo.com
Secretary Porter Whitetails 1828 350th Ave Lake Bronson, MN 56734 218-526-0180 porterwhitetail@gmail.com
Steve Dougherty
Deb Holthaus
Two Rivers Deer Farm PO BOX 336 Little Falls, MN 56345 320-360-4667
Deb@Benefits-MN.com
Zumbro River Whitetails 57479 375th Ave Zumbro Falls, MN 55991 507-269-7346
steve@zumbroriverwhitetails.com
Scott Salonek
Ken Williams
Williams Whitetails 30567 440TH ST
Melrose, MN 56352 320-291-3385
kwilliams7777@outlook.com
Elm Creek Elk 15520 S Diamond Lake Rd Dayton, MN 55327 612-850-8684
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Board of Directors
Adam Helgeland
President
Trophy Whitetail Deer 15425 450th St. Leland, IA 50453 641-590-3410 adamhelgeland@gmail.com
Mike Hine
Timberghost Ranch PO Box 545 Mediapolis, IA 52639 319-394-9876 mike@timberghost.com
Jake Lahr
Double "O" Whitetails 2608 325th St Hopkinton, IA 52237 319-975-0005 jlahr.w@gmail.com
Matt Nebel
River Bottom Game Farm 2717 275th Ave Dewitt, IA 52742 563-580-4149
Fred Huebner
Vice President Circle H Ranch 2575 Iowa Keokuk Rd. North English, IA 52316 319-530-7824 circleh@netins.net
Roger Strunk
Secretary Strunk's Whitetail Haven 508 Franklin 3rd St West Point, IA 52656
319-470-2413 rlstrunk@yahoo.com
Mick Tonderum
GMT Farms Inc. 2008 5th St. Emmetsburg, IA 50536 712-260-7310 gmtfarms74@hotmail.com
Chad Machart
Prairie Antler Ranch 24424 180th St Anamosa, IA 52205 319-540-9311
Board Member Message
2025
Iowa Deer Farmers Staying Upbeat
An Inspiring Word from Board Member Jake Lahr
On February 15th a group of 16 deer farmers from around the state came together in Clearlake, Iowa for our annual event. We enjoyed a catered hot beef lunch, complete with mashed potatoes and green beans. The mood was very upbeat and seemed to shine though during our McClung online auction. Auction items included semen straws, pies, baked goods and other useful items needed to run a deer farm. We were happy with the results and our continued ability to fund lobbyists who stand by us, as we do what we love, and look toward a future in the hope that open borders could become a reality.
Here in Iowa, we are known for raising hearty and big-bodied deer. As we remain positive about our future in deer farming, we are continuing to focus heavily on the “SS” allele as we breed, and as we monitor and watch where CWD may appear prevalent outside of our farms within the wild populations of the state. We know, however, our efforts in breeding for resistance provide a better peace of mind for all of us. I’m proud to stand among my fellow deer farmers here in Iowa and look forward to seeing some of you at future deer events!
Grant Carrolan
President
Hidden Hollow Whitetails 12820 Prosperity Road Marion, IL 62959 618-559-5952 gra5566@yahoo.com
Chet Hostettler
Treasurer
Illini Whitetails 510 S. Pine St. Arthur, IL 61911 217-246-8566 illwchet@gmail.com
Board of Directors
Chase Baker
Vice President
Baker Whitetails 13289 Carter Rd. Junction, IL 62954 618-841-9776 bakerwhitetails@outlook.com
Kyle Neal
Secretary Neal's Whitetail Ranch 17952 Rescue Church Rd Ewing, IL 62836 618- 967-0076 nealfarms38@hotmail.com
Rick Davidson - 2023-2026
Illinois Dominant Bucks 12035 N Fox Rd Marshall, IL 62441 217- 260-2825 rdavidson@vivecrop.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
Billie Rix - 2023-2026
Red Wire Ranch
7350 Old Stage Rd Morris, IL 60450 630-816-8977 billierix@yahoo.com
Mark Voss - 2024-2027
Voss Whitetails 12430 SLANT RD Carlyle, IL62231 618-343-5653 vosswhitetails@gmail.com
Riley "Dink" Vaughan 2023-2026
Vaughan Deer Farm 925 CR 540 N. Norris City, IL 62869 618-383-0227 vaughnriley780@gmail.com
Travis Phelps - 2023-2026
Moultrie County Monsters 1535 CB 750 E. Sullivan, Il 61951 217-246-1319 mocomonsters@gmail.com
President & Vice President’s Message
Illinois Deer Farmer’s Association Enjoyed Prosperous Event
As we reflect on our 2025 event February 21st and 22nd at The Comfort Suites in Effingham, Illinois, we ask that our association come further together for the sake of unity, understanding and for our continuation as a strong association. Looking ahead, we encourage and greatly need full member participation and willingness to assist when help and support are needed, not only at events but in other areas as well. We express sincere thanks to everyone who has helped in the past and for those who plan to help with future endeavors.
At our recent event we had our best online McClung auction ever, raising approximately $30,000. We are very grateful for that, and for the 80 or so participants who came and enjoyed a Friday night pizza dinner sponsored by Baker Whitetails, and a catered lunch on Saturday sponsored by Springfield Whitetails. Raffle ticket sales through our “Making Noise in Illinois” chair game, also raised $7,000. Each chair had approximately $1,000 worth of valuable items under it. Winners received guns, deer, cash and other useful and valuable things. Raffle ticket winners won items such as a semen tank, a Nelson waterer and even St. Louis Cardinals baseball tickets. These activities were definitely two of the highlights of the event.
We also enjoyed having our antler and photo contest, dart gun and corn hole competitions as well as our informative guest speaker from the USDA Illinois office. As we venture further into 2025, we both perceive the market as staying strong. More and more deer farmers are breeding for resistance and doing well raising both breeding and stocker bucks. Let’s take a stand together Illinois, get more association members and hope that this year and in the future, we can still hold fast to what we love so much – our deer businesses. Thank you!
A Shared Moment with President Grant Carrolan and Vice President Chase Baker
Mike Elsberry President Dakota Muleys
701-340-4445
Grand Forks, ND
Lani Schafer Secretary/Treasurer 1223 18th Ave NW
Turtle Lake, ND 58575
Board of Directors
Chris Ryckman
Missouri Valley Muleys 6160 Hiway 1804
Bismarck, ND 58504
Bob Miller Evolution Whitetails 10801 52nd St NE Bismarck, ND 58503
Butch Dick Board Member 6379 123rd Ave SE Lisbon, ND 58054
Mike Ryckman
Ryckman Whitetails PO Box 565 Linton, ND 58552
ILLINOIS DEER FARMERS CONVENTION
2025 DONORS!
5 Star Genetics
Badger State Whitetails
Baker Whitetails
Baker's Mark Laser Engraving
Blackhawk Whitetails
Broken Road Whitetails
Buck Creek Deer Farm
Cedar Line Whitetails
Cedar Road Deer Farm
Cloudy Creek Whitetails
Copper Creek Whitetails
CuddliEZ
D&K Design, LLC
Dangerous Whitetails of Oklahoma
Dominant Genetics
Double H Whitetails
Dr.Ray Favero Whitetail Genetics
EKG Whitetails
EzID
Flynn Whitetails
Forgotten Mile Whitetails
Governmental Consulting Solutions
Illini Whitetails
J&L Whitetails
Lambright Whitetails
Lone Pine Whitetails
Major League Whitetails
Mankazana Safaris
MixLab NADEFA
Nelson Waterers
Nold Whitetails
Paden's Velvet Dreams
Pine Creek Deer Farm
Pneu-Dart
Prosperity Acres Whitetails
Red Fox Design Co
Red Moon Whitetails
Red Wire Ranch Whitetails
Rocking JE Whitetails
Rocky Ridge Whitetails
Rolling Ridge Whitetails
Sementanks.com
Size Matters Whitetails
Springfield Whitetails
Tajada Whitetails
The Antler Company
Tri County Veterinary Clinic
Vaughn Deer Farm
Weaver Two Whitetails
Whetstone Brothers
Whiskey River Whitetails
White Mountain Whitetails
White Pine Whitetails
Wicked Whitetail Genetics
Woodard Whitetails of Kentucky
Antler Competition Winners:
Yearling
Best – Select Whitetails(not pictured)
2nd Place - Voss Whitetails
3rd Place- Baker Whitetails
2 Year Old
Best- Illinois Dominant Bucks
2nd Place- Neal’s Whitetail Ranch
3rd- Voss Whitetails
Mature
Best- Dominant Genetics
2nd Place- Dalton Myers
3rd Place- Illinois Dominant Bucks
Photo Competition
1st. Red Wire Ranch
2nd- Legacy Whitetails
3rd- Voss Whitetails
Dart Gun Competition
1st. Brian Smalley
2nd Chase Baker
3rd Jacob Yoder (not pictured)
2025 Illinois Convention
Deer Farmers Convention
FREE business card ads for members of Upper Midwest Associations
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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• 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.
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BEEM FENCING BUILDING FENCES THAT LAST
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the United Deer Farmers of Michigan
Mark Beem constructed fences 34 years ago that are still standing strong today. In the years he has owned and operated Beem Fencing in Lake City, Michigan, Beem has perfected his craft. His customer list doesn’t merely include Michigan (such as Lost Arrow Ranch in Gladwin, Michigan, his very first customer) it also extends to Texas, Louisiana, New York and Missouri, just to name a few of the 27 states where his fences can be found. Mark uses the highest quality materials available and the most meticulous installation methods, while also meeting state fencing specifications through working with regulatory agencies such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources even before a project begins.
“Our customers want precision high-quality work, and they want high quality materials,” Mark, 73, said. “There are other fencing companies out there doing good work, but we’ve got the experience
and the knowledge.” Beem fencing completes 15 to 20 fencing jobs per year under the watchful eye of Mark, who also accompanies and works with his crew on each and every job. To date, Beem fencing has constructed roughly 2,000 miles of no-maintenance fencing including through rocky mountainous terrain in New York and across swamps in Louisiana and Florida. Fencing is carefully erected with the trained eye of Mark and his crew to ensure that while each section is strong and steady and wired correctly, it is also safe for deer and other livestock.
Started in 1989, Mark’s inspiration to establish his company actually began earlier when he was a Christmas tree farmer. “The deer were always eating my Christmas trees,” he said. “And I borrowed some fencing equipment from a friend to fence my property in. Afterward I did some advertising about fence construction and off it went. While building fences seemed like a real daunting task at first, each job seemed to get a little easier as
the years went along. I don’t need to advertise much. We have plenty of customers.”
All fences come with a five-year warranty at Beem Fencing, a onestop shop for anyone looking to build a fence. Recently, Mark acquired a partner, Craig Roys of TNT Highfence, with the intention that Craig would fully take over the company should Mark ever retire. However, it doesn’t look like he has any plans to do that soon.
“My favorite thing is the customers I’ve met over the years,” Mark said. “They become like family to me. I’ve done fencing for Ted Nugent, what a great guy. I also put up fencing for the family who invented the Bic Pen and Bic Lighters. Knowing that all of my customers are satisfied makes me very happy. I know I’m offering them the highest quality product I possibly can.”
To inquire about fencing, call Mark Beem at 231-510-8122 or email him at info@beemfence.com.
MELANISTIC DEER
SHOWING A PRESENCE ON DEER FARMS
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association
It was a beautiful cool May morning this past spring, when Adam Lindsey casually walked past the pen of a doe who had just given birth at his farm Size Matters Whitetail, in Bronson, Michigan. He glanced over and immediately stopped to refocus on the new fawns, still wet, pure black and glistening, curled up on the ground. Holding his breath, he couldn’t stop staring. Literally blown away that their breeding efforts had come to fruition, he then ran to his wife Ashley to announce the great news. They now had two melanistic fawns, one buck and one doe.
“We were proactively trying and that was our hope and dream to have melanistic fawns,” Lindsey said. “But we’d never had one born before then.” Melanistic deer, first discovered and recorded in 1929, are the rarest known form of whitetail deer. Their morphologically dark bodies contain a high deposition of the dark pigment known as melanin, caused by specialized cells called melanocytes responsible for producing the darker pigmentation. A rare genetic recessive gene mutation can produce a melanistic deer, with a believed average of
a one in every 10,000 chance. In addition to melanistic whitetails, melanistic fallow deer and mule deer have been spotted in the wild. And unlike albino deer, whose life spans tend to be shorter, melanism is not believed to hinder a deer’s lifespan, nor do melanistic deer appear to be more susceptible to typical whitetail ailments.
Melanistic whitetail deer have been found in states such as Mississippi, Michigan, Virginia, Texas, South Carolina and Pennsylvania. In a quest to add to their uniqueness, Mick
and Mike Goodman of Goodman’s Whitetail Haven in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, are creating their own melanistic piebald deer herd. “I always loved piebald,” Mick said. “About 10 to 12 years I really started pushing them and wanted to breed the melanistic deer into them. After a lot of effort, we now have melanistic piebalds.”
The Goodman’s and Lindsey credit Bob Rosebrock of Rosebrock Whitetails in Lott, Texas for allowing them to follow their dream.
Goodman subsequently produced his breeding buck “Black Velvet,”
their very first melanistic piebald. While melanistic deer can be every bit as hardy and substantial in terms of frame as their brown and white pelage counterparts, piebalds can be smaller bodied. Goodman’s future breeding plans include breeding “Outstanding,” one of the top piebalds in the country right now, whose 317” and 7 x 7 typical main frame includes a little extra, in order to continue producing piebalds who are every bit as large and hearty as brown whitetails.
“Looking ahead, I feel the market should be really good for melanistic deer,” Lindsey said. “I have had a lot of interest in people wanting to buy those babies. Both are “SS” with negative GEBV values. That will be a plus side for the industry. But you can’t necessarily get more melanistic deer just from breeding them to those that are melanistic. As we predictably breed, we can increase those chances over time. At our farm, the goal in to breed for 75 percent brown deer and 25 percent melanistic.”
Goodman feels that while the market for melanistic deer has yet to be officially established, it looks very promising. “Never give up on your dreams,” he said. “Although it may be more difficult to produce melanistic deer, we went after what we wanted and are very happy with the results. We look forward to more success.”
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CitiStim®, an ADM proprietary feed ingredient, is a proven, truly unique, whole-cell, inactivated yeast product that may help the animal strengthen its defense against health challenges by supporting and optimizing gut function, gut integrity, and body defense responses.
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For more info, contact Troy Bjorge at 320-412-9957
AN_DeerHelp@adm.com www.ADMAnimalNutrition.com/wildlife
Genomically Estimated Breeding Value Predictive Genetics and Chronic Wasting Disease
What is a genetically estimated breeding value (GEBV)?
A GEBV is a statistically generated number or score that estimates the total genetic potential of an animal with respect to a heritable trait. Traits are influenced and controlled by many different genetic regions, or loci, across the genome. In this situation the trait is susceptibility of white-tailed deer (WTD) to chronic wasting disease (CWD). The regions of interest are those that have a role in the CWD disease process, which is stated more simply as susceptibility. Seabury et al 1,2 found over 120,000 different regions that have a role in the CWD disease process. Each region provides a small contribution to the overall CWD disease process. However, some regions provide a greater contribution than others, and those are the genetic regions used in the current commercially available GEBV testing through the North American Deer Registry (NADR).
How is the GEBV for CWD susceptibility determined?
The GEBV is produced by comparing and analyzing the effects of genetic regions from deer that have CWD to those that do not have CWD.
What does the score mean?
The score, which is presented as either a positive or negative number, reflects the potential for that deer to get CWD. The higher the number (on the positive side of zero) the greater the potential for that deer to become CWD positive if exposed to the disease. The graph below shows the percentage of 1,554 farmed WTD found to be CWD positive at various GEBV scores, ranging from the worst on the left (0.20) to best on the right (-0.40). The percentage of WTD with CWD decreases as the GEBV score decreases (becomes more negative). The arrow indicates the highest GEBV score (-0.056) animals should have to begin to generate a herd that has reduced susceptibility to CWD. This is the starting point for herd improvement, not the end goal,
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Use PeaceMaker to “keep the peace” during pre-rut, rut, transportation, weaning and anytime destructive behavior may occur
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TOHIO CHRISTIAN AID MINISTRIES SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM
By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by the Whitetail Deer Farmers of Ohio
he Whitetail Deer Farmer’s Association of Ohio (WDFO) is well-known for two things, putting on a memorable annual event and choosing a worthy organization each year to receive a donation from event proceeds. In 2024, the ODFA donated $20,400 to Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), a national volunteer search and rescue organization with a team based out of Millersburg, Ohio. “It’s extremely helpful to us to receive this donation,” said Ohio CAM Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator Marcus Miller. “We don’t receive grants and so we rely heavily on donations from churches, individuals and a bit from businesses to keep us going.”
Levi Miller, Executive Director for the WDFO, recommended CAM to receive a donation after a northeast Ohio family recently lost a loved one due to drowning. After everyone else had essentially given up, CAM stepped in and found them, Levi said. CAM’s search and rescue organization has been helping families reunite or recover loved ones since 2016. There mission isn’t only to save individuals who have been physically lost, but to assist them spiritually as well.
The Ohio CAM SAR team, comprised of 30 members many of whom are Amish and Mennonite, were chosen based on their faith and passion to help others. “We don’t take just anyone off the street who’s looking for an adrenaline rush,” said Marcus Miller, who also teaches the CAM Search and Rescue class. “Our volunteers are put through many
rigorous hours of training and make a huge commitment to be available when we need them.” Training courses include, for example, land navigation, boat operation, radio communications, crime scene preservation, wilderness first aid, rope and knot tying and fire starting. Current Ohio CAM SAR team members range in age from 19 to 56. “We wouldn’t turn anyone down who might be older,” Miller shared. “There’s always something we can find for them to do.”
Although while every SAR team member is hopeful for a successful outcome, it doesn’t always turn out that way. “I think we can all relate to how terrifying it is when a child goes missing,” Miller said. “We’ve found the bodies of children who’ve drowned. Consoling the parents is the toughest part and something we make a point of doing. We also seek to bring those we help closer to a spiritual belief as part of their healing.”
Perhaps one of Miller’s favorite rescue stories involved a young man who had run away from home. “We had no location on him, and we were concerned he may have been picked up by someone,” he said. “But we found him sleeping in the woods, got him back to camp and warmed up and counseled him on ways to cope better with life. We really enjoyed our time with him.”
When rescue situations appear to be risky or dangerous, law enforcement officers typically work alongside CAM, since CAM team members do not carry firearms. CAM teams are also located in Arkansas, Illinois, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Virginia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. Depending on the time of year, teams could receive up to four calls per week asking for help. “Sometimes a whole month goes by and nothing,” Miller said. “Spring through mid-fall are the busiest times. Sometimes calls come in at very inconvenient times like Christmas Day or right in the middle of a family gathering. But this is what we signed up for. This is what we committed to, and we are more than glad to help anyone who needs us.”
EHD, Ect.
What about variations in the prion gene like codon 95, 96 and others?
While some codons (the parts of DNA that code for a specific amino acid) in the prion gene, particularly codon 96, can strongly influence incubation period, the contribution of any codon to the total genetic merit (GEBV score) is rather low. While codon 96 contributes more to susceptibility than any other individual region elsewhere in the genome, most of the overall susceptibility is due to the cumulative genetic contributions of these other regions. In other words, breeding for specific codon 96 genetics (GS or SS) alone is insufficient to significantly reduce herd susceptibility. That said, there is a role for codon 96 in reducing herd susceptibility, just not on its own.
How can you use GEBV Scores and Predictive Genetics to Reduce Herd Susceptibility to CWD?
The primary goal of predictive genetics using GEBV scores is to generate herds that are less susceptible to CWD, either avoiding the establishment of CWD after an exposure, or limiting the spread within the herd if infected. Additionally, predictive genetics can be used in certain circumstances to clean up CWDinfected herds within and/or beyond a quarantine period. The generation of herds with reduced susceptibility to CWD is only achievable when the steps below are diligently followed. Leaving poor scoring, highly susceptible animals within a herd allows CWD to rapidly spread and contaminate the environment. Even good scoring deer may not be able to withstand infection in highly contaminated environments or in herds with a high CWD prevalence.
Steps to using GEBV scores for herd improvement:
Get GEB scores which include codon 96 genetics on all animals within the herd, regardless of age. Good scoring animals can be GG, GS, or SS. Do not cull a good scoring animal simply because it is a GG!
• Identify all animals with scores above the minimum cutoff value of -0.056 (i.e., above means less negative; and those that are closer to zero, or that are positive numbers).
• Keep meticulous herd and breeding records that includes GEBV scores and codon 96 data.
• Determine if the herd has a sufficient number of deer with scores below the cutoff to sustain a viable breeding population without breeding too tightly. Tight breeding to get desired scores is not recommended. Tight breeding will unmask negative recessive traits.
• Develop a culling plan to remove as many deer above the cutoff as possible. Some herds may not contain a sufficient number of deer below the cutoff to sustain the herd. In this situation purchasing good scoring animals or semen straws from good scoring bucks is recommended to selectively breed with best scoring does on site. With careful breeding over several generations, the overall GEBV scores can be significantly improved, and the herd susceptibility reduced over time.
• Good scoring deer with GS and SS at codon 96 in the prion gene are ultimately the goal. However, good scoring GG and GS deer can be bred with good scoring mates to generate desirable offspring with GS or SS at codon 96. This allows for genetic improvement without tight breeding.
For More Information
Ask for professional help at CWD@usda.gov when circumstances are unusual or complicated. This will save time, money, and perhaps even your herd in the long run 1 Accurate Genomic Predictions for Chronic Wasting Disease in U.S. White-Tailed Deer. 2020. Seabury et al
CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITIES FOR 2025 CAPITOL HILL UPDATE
On January 3, 2025, the 119th Congress began with Republicans controlling the House, Senate, and White House. The Republican trifecta positions them to influence significant pieces of legislation but also allows them to take the lead on key issues that must pass this year, including Government Funding, Reconciliation, the expiring Trump Tax Cuts, and the debt ceiling.
Government Funding
Congress still needs to pass the FY25 appropriations bill while simultaneously beginning the FY26 appropriations season. To recap, last December, Congress passed a second continuing resolution (CR) to extend federal spending and avert a government shutdown through March 14, 2025. The bipartisan CR passed the U.S. House and Senate by bipartisan votes hours before midnight when the first stopgap measure was set to expire (December 20). However, with the new Congress, congressional spending has been lumped into a list of priorities that Republican leadership must resolve before the March deadline.
Reconciliation
Republicans have secured control of the House, Senate, and White House positioning them to influence significant legislation, particularly tax reform and the extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which will be a major focus in the coming year. To facilitate this, they are likely to use a process called budget reconciliation, which allows legislation to bypass the Senate filibuster—a procedural process requiring 60 votes to overcome—and pass with a simple majority. This process, established by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, streamlines revenue, spending, and debt limit measures outlined in the budget resolution. However, it’s important to note that the “Byrd Rule” limits what can be included in a reconciliation bill, excluding policy changes that do not impact spending or revenue or allow changes that would increase the deficit outside the budget window.
Expiring Trump Tax Cuts
At the top of Republicans’ 100-day agenda is the plan to renew $4 trillion in expiring tax cuts. Many provisions of the TCJA expire at the end of the year, especially the individual tax cuts for most
Americans. These provisions were the most significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code in more than 30 years, many of which reduced income taxes for individuals and businesses. Republicans will have to figure out what to prioritize and how to pay for it, as the Treasury estimated that fully extending the individual and estate tax provisions of the TCJA would cost $4.2 trillion between 2026 and 2035, which could climb if several already-expired provisions were restored. Congress will have to make difficult choices, namely, how to pay for the tax cuts as the federal debt sits at over $36 trillion. Republicans have a very slim majority in the House, leaving no room for dissent to push it through.
Debt Ceiling
The debt ceiling, the $36 trillion federal government debt limit, was reinstated on January 1, 2025. The Treasury must immediately resume accounting maneuvers known as “extraordinary measures” to temporarily keep the government from defaulting on its debt. Congress will have to come together to find a solution, and if they do not by the time that extraordinary measures lapse, the federal government may be at risk of defaulting on its debt. Even a shortterm breach in the debt limit could have significant economic implications- reducing the gross domestic product, wiping out trillions of dollars in U.S. household wealth, and losing millions of jobs. Although Republicans control Capitol Hill, they remain divided over how to address the debt ceiling, as they still have to pass a government funding bill for the fiscal year 2025, and a temporary spending measure.
In Summary
The 119th Congress’s tasks are clear through bipartisan effort or reconciliation, but other priorities like immigration and energy legislation are also key issues that Republicans have to consider in their must-pass priorities. It will be interesting how they seek to pass the FY25 funding bill, begin the FY26 appropriation bill, work on a budget reconciliation, pass tax reform, and extend the debt ceiling, all with a thin majority in both chambers.
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2025 Membership Application
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