PA SUMMER NEWSLETTER

PENNSYLVANIA DEER FARMERS

ASSOCIATION SUMMER 2020 • VOL 3 | ISSUE 2 2018 FALL ISSUE

THE FAWNS ARE HERE!

IN THIS ISSUE: • Medgene Labs - Offering Experimental EHD Vaccines • Humic Acid Degrades CWD Prions in Soil • BOD Announces PA Eastern Fall Classic Deer Sale • New Department of Ag Forms

TABLE OF CONTENTS / ADVERTISERS

ADVERTISERS INDEX:

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Advertising Information: Ads Due August 15th for Fall Issue................ 22

Antler Ranch....................... Inside Front Cover

Board of Directors................................................ 3

C&E Wildlife Products....................................6

BOD Announces PA Eastern Fall Classic Deer Sale.......................................................... 7

Cedar Breaks Ranch....................................12

By-law Change - Membership Dates.................. 19 Constitution and By-Laws........20-21, 24-15, 28-29

Cervid Solutions, LLC................................... 11

Humic Acid Degrades CWD Prions in Soil........ 8-9

Cross Canyon Whitetails.....Inside Back Cover

Legislative Update......................................... 18-19 Letter From New Member- Bob Guoene.............. 4

Dan-Inject North America.............................23

Medgene Labs-

Deerstore.com..............................................22

Offering Experimental EHD Vaccines............... 17

GKR..............................................................10

Membership Application..................................... 27 New Department of Ag Forms............................ 14

Head Gear LLC............................................13

Oklahoma Deer Farmers-

Hilty Whitetails................................................5

Feeling Resilient About 2020............................ 30 Payroll Protection Program-

Pnue-Dart Inc...............................................32

Offering Short-Term Assistance........................ 15 PDFA Membership News................................... 12

Prime Acres..................................................31 Purina.............................................................2

MAGAZINE GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PUBLISHING:

Kathy Giesen, D & K Design

Rocky Ridge Whitetails................. Back Cover

1812 W. Sunset Blvd. Ste. 1-515 St. George, UT 84770

Stewart Creek Whitetails..............................26

advertising4@mac.com P) 435-817-0150 Fax) 435-574-1937

Sunrise Supply, LLC..................................... 11 Townsedge Whitetails...................................16

Editorial Provided by Contributing Writers.

Trophy Whitetails............................................9

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OFFICERS / BOARD OF DIRECTORS

www.padfa.com

President -Josh Newton (2022)

Treasurer - Timothy Hill (2023) Three Rivers Whitetails 20 Sutton Lane Washington, PA 15301 Cell: 724-705-3955 Email: timothyhill81@gmail.com

Cervid Solutions, LLC 15223 Route 87 Hwy Williamsport, PA 17701 Office: 844-478-2870 Cell: 484-951-3229 Email: jnewton@redridgewhitetails.com

Vice President- Todd Gehringer (2021) Gehringer Deer Ranch 2439 Seipstown Road Fogelsville, PA 18051 Cell: 610-217-0611 Email: gdrwhitetails@outlook.com

Legislative Counsel Milliron & Goodman Government Relations Andy Goodman, Partner 200 N. Third St. Harrisburg, PA 17101 Office: 717-232-5322 Email: andy@millirongoodman.com

Secretary - Emily Hughes (2023) Phoenix Whitetails 359 Valley Road Etters, PA 17319 Cell: 717-919-4541 Email: hughesemily79@gmail.com

Bruce Snyder (2022)

Mark Gee (2021)

Tioga Ranch P.O. Box 64 Tioga, PA 16946 Cell: 570-418-0840 Email: tiogaboarranch@gmail.com

Snyders Whitetails 2358 Produce Rd Selinsgrove, PA 17870 Cell: 570-259-0051 Email: snyderswhitetails@yahoo.com

Michael Gee (2023)

Katryna Stegmeter (2023)

Tioga Ranch 1552 Mann Hill Rd Tioga, PA 16946 Cell: 607-742-8195 Email: tiogaranchmike@gmail.com

Pine Valley Whitetails 275 Pine Valley Road New Ringgold, PA 17960 Cell: 484-619-1690 Email: pinevalleywhitetails@gmail.com

John Ervin Stoltzfus (2021)

Bob Gucene (2021)

6720 Geissinger Rd Zionsville, PA 18092 Cell: 973-294-2596 Email: bob.gucene@verizon.com

llc

Daniel King (2022)

Lloyd Stoltzfus (2023)

Honeybrook Whitetails 2101 Beaver Dam Rd Honeybrook, PA 19344 Cell: 610-273-2809 Email: honeybrookwhitetails@gmail.com

Walnut Ridge Whitetails 142 Churchtown Road Narvon, PA 17555 Cell: 717-768-3471 Email: wrwhitetails@yahoo.com

Samuel King (2022)

Darin Witmer (2021)

Rocky Top Whitetails 6285 Engle Town Rd Honeybrook, PA 19344 Cell: 717-768-0645 Email: samuel@keystonesteelstructures.com

N ATIONWIDE S CENTS F RESH DEER URINE FROM OUR DEER TO YOUR DOOR

Rocky Ridge Whitetails 6099 Wanner Rd Narvon, PA 17555 Cell: 717-768-3336 Email: rockyridgewts@gmail.com

Coldspring Whitetails 2542 Shumaker Rd Manheim, PA 17545 Cell: 717-599-8168 Email: cswhitetails@gmail.com

Elam Lapp Jr (2023)

Nationwide Scents 183 Spain Road Herndon, PA 17830 Cell: 570-425-2804 Email: nationwidescents@gmail.com

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A Letter From A New Board Member Hello PDFA Members,

I would like to take this opportunity to send heartfelt thanks to the PDFA leadership for allowing me to serve on the PDFA Board of Directors and address the general membership.

As the ‘new guy on the block’, I attended my first ever PDFA Board meeting and fund-raising event this past February. I could not have been more impressed by the people who planned the event. The welcome, the friendliness and sheer willingness exhibited by those at the event was amazing. They stepped up and did what it takes to plan and execute a very successful, informative and fun event. It was truly wonderful to experience it firsthand.

I look forward to helping the PDFA as we continue and further expand the communication of the good work the PDFA and all of the hard working deer farmers in the state of PA are doing to benefit the Cervid industry.

I encourage you all to get involved. Ensure your industry colleagues are members, and talk about the PDFA with your friends. Each one of you is an ambassadors for the deer industry. The more we communicate the husbandry, research and work of the PDFA, the better it is for all.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Bob Gucene PDFA Director

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Board of Directors Announces PA Eastern Fall Classic Deer Sale RFall un BDeer yT Board of Directors Announces PA Eastern Classic Salehe run byA thessociation Association Hello Fellow Deer Farmers,

As I sit here in my office, I cannot help but praise our Almighty God for this beautiful morning and many blessings we receive each day amid the crisis we are in with “COVID-19”. 2020, a year will soon not forget. Together with my wife, we raise about 80 whitetail deer, which we really enjoy and would love make a full-time business, however, with a business to take care of, and the constant thing to run after, it does not allow it. So I guess it is considered a hobby, and that’s ok. Fawning season is again just around the corner, and by the time you read this, many of you will have three to four-week-old fawns. I hope all of you have a good season. Here on our farm, we expect 30-40 fawns this year. It’s always an exciting time of year! Bucks are starting to grow, which adds to the excitement. With every year comes a new set of antlers. Amazing! Now coming to my points.

1. Are you a member of the PDFA? If yes, we thank you, it is much appreciated. If no, why not? Is it a lack of interest? Does it cost too much? Consider becoming a member. We need your support! The Game Commission is constantly trying to blame deer farmers for CWD. We have constant battles to fight. Attend PDFA Board Meetings, meet with the Department of Ag., meet with Legislators. We need your support if we want to continue deer farming in PA. Costs are high, and time is valuable.

2. We just wrapped up the Spring Fund Raiser Auction, which was a success. Thank you to all that attended, donated items, bidders, and buyers, or just showing you care about the industry! We are always looking for new ideas. If you have ideas, get in touch with a board member. We would love to hear from you.

3. We are again headed for the Fall Sale, which is another very important event for the PDFA to raise funds and to gather fellow deer farmers together, share ideas, and buy and sell deer. Setup a booth to advertise your product, or advertise in the catalog, which can be a very powerful tool to stay in touch. Please consider it. The PDFA Board of Directors has again decided it’s in the best interest of the membership to run our own Fall Sale!

The Fall Sale Committee, along with the entire Board of Directors and membership ideas to develop a plan that is in the best interest of our industry. The Fall Sale Committee consists of the following: Darin Witmer – 717-599-8168 Daniel King – 610-273-2809 Sammie King – 717-768-0645 Lloyd Stoltzfus – 717-768-3471 Emily Hughes – 717-919-4541 John Ervin Stoltzfus – 717-768-3336 Bruce Snyder – 570-259-0051 Our sale will be Stocker Bucks, and a limited number of quality does, buck fawns, and semen. We need your support in more than one way. Together, we can make this happen. Consider consigning a quality lot for the evening sale. We will be looking for sponsors, ads, and meal sponsors. When consigning Stocker Bucks, PLEASE, PLEASE consign quality animals with quality pictures and the ear tag showing. We cannot hold a quality auction with poor quality animals. We hope to have consignment forms in the mail by mid-July. If you do not receive one, please call a committee member.

Again, please consider supporting this event.

Best Regards, Daniel King

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HUMIC ACID DEGRADES CWD PRIONS IN SOIL!

By: Dan Harrington • Sponsored by UDFOM

C

WD is a disease that seems to be increasing in prevalence throughout North America and beyond. This is especially important to deer farmers who are affected by burdensome regulations and restrictions. It can ultimately put us out of business if we have the misfortune of having a positive test.

It has definitely stifled our once overwhelming enthusiasm for what we do. There is hope.

Although the route of transmission is still unknown, it has been hypothesized that CWD can be transmitted indirectly through environmental contamination, most commonly believed, through contaminated soil.

The CWD prion is thought to be very resilient. It has been shown to exist in soils for many years. The Centers for disease control (CDC) states that the CWD prion can remain in the soil for a very long time. It is termed PrP resistant, because of its resistance to harsh chemical treatments, as well as its inability to be degraded naturally in the body. Autoclaving, a common method of sterilization has proven ineffective on the CWD prion.

ALONG COMES HUMIC ACID. HUMIC ACID is a naturally occurring component of soil. Through years of abusing our soils with herbicides, pesticides and pollution we have depleted the once sufficient amounts in our soils. In 2018, Judd Aiken at the University of Alberta demonstrated that humic acid at various concentrations degraded the CWD prion in infected brain tissues. Even though, humic acid degraded the prion in brain tissues, Aiken was un-able to conclude that humic acid would degrade the prion in soil, due to the complexity of soils.

Many of us believed that humic acid would degrade the prion in the soil and wanted to test this theory. If confirmed we believed it would give deer farmers a major tool to fight CWD. There were many skeptics, but the United Deer Farmers of Michigan was not one of them. They stepped up and committed to funding a project, to verify if humic acid was capable of degrading prions in the soil.

METHODS Wilderness Whitetails of Wisconsin, a longtime leader in the Deer Farming community agreed to allow testing at one of their facilities. Greg and Shorty Flees had already been involved with helping to find a solution to CWD, through their involvement in resistance research with Dr. Haley. Testing sites were focused on feeding and watering areas. Samples were taken with a 1 inch diameter stainless steel soil sampling probe at depth of 1 inch. Twenty Four samples were taken. These samples were packaged and sent to CWD Evolution for prion testing.

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RESULTS Testing was done using RT-QuIC. The initial testing indicated that 3 of the 24 samples contained prions. The samples were retested with the same results.

These positive samples were then treated with humic acid. The humic acid was dissolved in deionized water at the equivalent concentrations of those used in the Aiken study for comparison purposes. These concentrations were the equivalent values of 2.5 grams/ liter, 15 grams/liter and 25 grams per liter of humic acid. The humic acid source did vary from the Aiken study.

Obtaining pure chemical grade humic acid was expensive and problematic. It would also be cost prohibitive for future practical application. The decision was made to use the New Mexico Mesa Verde Humates source, seeing this is easily available and affordably priced. The incubation period was also extended from 24 hours to 72 hours, reasoning that this increased period is not significant to practical deer farming purposes.

ALL SAMPLES TREATED TESTED NEGATIVE for CWD prions. The humic acid at the highest concentration (25 g/l) interfered with positive results and therefore the negative values obtained at that concentration could not be used.

However, all samples treated tested negative so we could assume that the highest concentration would also be negative at 25 g/l. These results show a 10 fold increase in the degradation of the prion at the extended incubation period used, verses the Aiken study.

INTERESTING THOUGHTS Prions may not be as hardy as previously thought. The facility tested has a 70% CWD prevalence rate and we could only find prions in 12% of the samples, using state of the art technology. Keep in mind that the samples were taken in high congregation areas around feeders and waterers.

Recent studies with Scrapie, a prion disease of sheep, has shown that differing soil types can present either inhibitory results or no difference in the replication efficiencies depending on soil composition (Saunders it al. 2011). High organic matter soils showed greater reduction in detections where high sand soils showed no apparent reduction in replication efficiency (Saunders et al.

2011). This may be explained in this study, in that High organic matter soils have higher humic acid content vs sandy soils, which have very little humic acid.

GOING FORWARD I believe this study showed that if Deer Farmers want a solution to CWD, we are going to have to figure it out on our own. Currently, with the help of Scott Follett, we are setting up a study in Wisconsin at Apple Creek Whitetails. This study will look at the life expectancies of CWD positive deer on humic acid feed. It will test prion shedding on CWD positive deer fed Humic acid. It will test prion presence in semen of CWD positive deer fed humic acid. It will also continue exploring mineral levels and their effect on CWD. Finally it will also test the effects of CWD on markered deer. If you or your organization would like to participate in helping to solving CWD, please go to the website at www. solvecwd.com. You can also call Dennis Simpson at 313-218-0105. Whitetails of Wisconsin has already committed to supporting this project.

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CONCLUSIONS First, I’d like to thank the Deer farmers of Michigan and Wisconsin for their forward thinking, and generosity in funding these studies. Finally, we’ve already covered this in other articles, but if you haven’t, think about using humic acid in your operation, and do your part to prevent CWD. Feel free to contact me at any time if you’d like to discuss anything.

My cell is 906-282-7555, or email me at: dan@wideandhighwhitetails.com.

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MISSOURI VALLEY MULEYS

PDFA Membership News The PDFA continually strives to represent the whole of the Pennsylvania Cervid Industry. Our work creates inroads with the Pa Department of Agriculture, in influence with our legislators, involvement in research, and many other discussions and activities for the betterment Cervid Livestock Operators in Pennsylvania. In order to maintain the levels of influence, inclusion, and involvement, we need to increase our membership. We currently have 215 members, and there are a total of approximately 750 active Cervid operations in PA. We ask you to check with the farms you normally communicate with and confirm that they are a member. It's also important to ensure your contact information is accurate. The PDFA regularly sends out communications about current events, information, and notifications. If you are not receiving this information, it's likely due to your contact information being out of date. You can contact the PDFA Office to update this information, or you can do it online at https://pdfa.z2systems.com/. If you've not logged in previously, click on "I forgot my login name or password", enter your email address, and the software will email you a new temporary password. If you are still having trouble logging in, contact the PDFA Office, and someone will assist you. We are also regularly in need of volunteers to assist with various activities, functions, and planning. If you have interest in getting involved and helping to support the PDFA initiatives, please contact the PDFA Office. Thank you for your continued support and maintaining your PDFA Membership and supporting the activities of the PDFA!

By Todd Gehringer, PDFA Vice President 12

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New Department of Ag Forms

By Todd Gehringer, PDFA Vice President

Late in 2019, the Pa Department of Agriculture approached the PDFA board about utilizing a new format for the

required forms to maintain compliance with the US Department of Agriculture programs. The PDFA Board collaborated with the Department of Ag to develop a new set of forms that are Microsoft Excel-based and much easier to fill out and keep up to date. The Department of Ag and PDFA have made changes to the new forms based on input from users.

These new forms should streamline the completion of required annual inventories and reporting of required 10-day forms. The new form will only require you to enter your information one time, and it automatically fills in the information on subsequent tabs in the Excel file. 10-Day notification forms work similarly. These new forms should make the reporting side of what we do much less time consuming, and easier from year to year. If you are interested in utilizing the new forms, contact Mary Martin at 717-787-5309 or via email at marymartin@pa.gov.

Current Inventory Page-

New Inventory Form Signature Page-

Herd Additional Page-

Herd Deletions Page-

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PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM OFFERING SHORT-TERM ASSISTANCE IN A COVID-19 ERA By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by NYDEFA

F

ederal loans are available to offer hope and relief to small business owners. The Payroll Protection Program (PPP), a recently initiated federal loan program, is accepting applications from now until June 30th, 2020. Any business with less than 500 employees, any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, any 501(c)(19) veteran’s organization, any Tribal business concern (sec. 31 (b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act with the greater of 500 employees, any NAICS Code that begins with 72 (hotels and restaurants), any sole proprietors, independent contractors and those self-employed may apply for a loan in an amount deemed necessary to maintain and pay employees, rent, interest on mortgages and utility bills. Determination for loan amounts should be based upon the lesser of $10 million dollars or two and a half times what it has cost a business to maintain their operation for one month during the previous year of business.

Included in payroll costs are hourly wages and salaries, commission, other work-related compensation, payment of equipment costs, cash tips, vacation and sick leave, group health care benefits as well as premiums for worker’s compensation. All employee wages are capped at $100,000 and all mandatory federal and income taxes still apply.

In New York, a state hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, these small business loans are offering a sense of much needed hope, said David Vanderzee, President of the New York Deer and Elk Farmer’s Association. As a consultant offering professional advice and assistance to his clients “we share stories with clients about what others are doing to get

through this,” Vanderzee said. “People feel paralyzed and are wondering how they are going to survive. These small business loans can truly help.”

“Those businesses that have incurred a supply chain disruption, or decrease in sales, or closure or employee or staffing problems are eligible,” Vanderzee said.

While an initial $3.49 billion was allocated

by Congress for the PPP, $2.5 billion of additional funds are speculated to be added to that amount. Perhaps one of the best and most important components of the PPP is that many loans could be forgiven (not paid back) if the money is solely spent to keep employees on the payroll and/or to pay rent, mortgage interest and utilities if used in an eightweek period after receiving funding. Loans can also be used on business related or equipment debts accrued prior to February 15th, 2020. However, at least 75% of a loan qualifying for forgiveness must have been used only for payroll, Vanderzee said. He also strongly advises potential loan recipients to open a separate bank account, should a business receive funding, so as to not co-mingle the money with other accounts and perhaps have a greater chance of loan forgiveness. Forgiveness may be declined if the number of employees or wages has decreased during the required eight-week fund disbursal period.

Businesses receiving loans will have deferred payments for six months, should payback be required, and will also have between two and ten years to pay the loan back at a mere 1% interest rate. Amortization begins at the time a business applies for a loan. If granted, no

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prepayment penalties are incurred and no fees or administration costs are added to the loan. Businesses can apply for a loan through any existing SBA lender such as your local bank, a federally insured depository institution or a participating Farm Credit System.

“A lot of deer farmers have other businesses and their farm is just a piece of their total business operations,” Vanderzee said. “They need to realize the benefits of this loan.”

Perhaps the greatest silver lining with any received loan is that “the cancelled debt is excluded from gross income,” Vanderzee emphasized. “This could truly be free money.” In addition, the filing deadline for 2019 taxable earnings has been extended until July 31st.

Dave Vanderzee offers advisor and/or consultant services through his business.

If any deer farmer is seeking these services during this difficult time they can reach Dave at 518/210-8889.

TO PRINT AND FILL OUT: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/ files/2020-04/PPP%20Borrower%20 Application%20Form.pdf To fill out on your computer: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/ files/2020-04/PPP-Borrower-ApplicationForm-Fillable.pdf

MEDGENE LAB

OFFERING EXPERIMENTAL EHD VACCINES By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by WOL

A

research laboratory turned immunological services provider/ vaccine manufacturer, Medgene Labs, anticipates having 150,000 doses of an experimental EHD vaccine available for use in 2020.

The company, based in Brookings, South Dakota, has been the answer to several deer farmers’ prayers, and although their vaccine is still considered experimental, it’s shown promise thus far at holding off Serotype 2 of the usually fatal disease.

Since the development and release of the experimental vaccine, deer farmers in South Dakota, Florida, Oklahoma, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Texas, North Carolina and Louisiana have used it, according to Ashley Petersen, Clinical Research and Development Lead Scientist at Medgene Labs.

in those herds occurred in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. In those settings, the vaccine was shown to cause little to no adverse reactions in the deer and was able to elicit the intended immune response.

Based on those studies, the USDA granted Medgene permission to test the vaccine across the U.S., shipping directly to livestock producers and veterinarians.

Confidence to develop vaccines began taking shape when Medgene Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Alan Young, was asked to develop a vaccine for Rift Valley Fever, a foreign animal disease affecting hooved animals in Africa. “If the disease ever makes it into the U.S., it could present a real problem and we want to be ready,” Petersen said.

“In the beginning of the summer of 2019 we got permission to field test the experimental EHD vaccine with interested livestock producers in the U.S.,” Petersen said. “It’s still considered experimental because we don’t yet have a license for it.” The first vaccine shipment went to the state of Florida at the end of July. Under the direction of Dr. Samantha Wisely and Dr. Juan Campos of the Cervidae Health Research Initiative (CHeRI) in Gainesville, Florida, CHeRI provided the vaccine and diagnostic testing to several Florida deer farmers at no cost. By the end of 2019, about 7,000 doses of experimental EHDV-2 vaccine had been distributed throughout the U.S., including the doses used under the direction of CHeRI.

Dr. Young, in collaboration with Dr. Juergen Richt of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases at Kansas State University, developed and tested an experimental vaccine against Rift Valley Fever virus for sheep and cattle. Following this success, Medgene took the technology further, receiving two substantial grants from the Department of Homeland Security and creating a Rift Valley Fever vaccine that could be commercially licensed. Using the same platform technology, Medgene began working on a vaccine for EHD, and Dr. Young expanded his previous relationship with NADeFA that had focused on helping deer farmers understand the emergence and spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in the U.S.

However, prior to ever testing the vaccine on a widespread basis, NADeFA Executive Director Shawn Schafer offered to test his deer with the experimental vaccine, as well as Chuck Blain of Twin Creek Farm in Fedora, South Dakota. Preliminary testing

“EHD is very devastating and the worst thing deer farmers have to put up with,” said Daniel Thomas of Daniel Thomas Whitetails in Springhill, Louisiana. Thomas, having purchased 310 doses of Medgene’s EHDV-2 vaccine last year, administered it to

17

his herd in February, followed by a booster shot three weeks later. As expected with any vaccine, his deer were a bit lethargic and backed off feed for a few days after receiving it. However, within a week after receiving the vaccine, all were behaving and eating normally again, he said.

“One of my favorite veterinarians told me this,” Thomas said. “Less will get sick if you vaccinate and less of the animals that get sick will die.”

By this coming November, Medgene will have collected sufficient data to understand the role their vaccine played in holding off EHDV-2 and EHDV-6 and may acquire the necessary data for the final approval for the vaccine license. “We have had feedback from farmers who feel it did work,” Petersen said. “Although there is a lot of criteria to consider.”

In order to handle the anticipated number of doses needed by deer farmers this year, Medgene has added vaccine production staff, and is continuing ongoing vaccine research in five other animal species. Since inception, the company has grown to over 20 employees who are dedicated to the health and well-being of animals and the farmers and veterinarians they serve.

“We’ve had many celebrations here because we realize we are making a difference,” Petersen said. “I’m glad we can make a difference to an industry that perhaps doesn’t get the attention of bigger companies.” For more information or to order the EHD vaccine, please contact Ashley at ashley@medgenelabs.com or call 605-692-1268.

Legislative Update Harrisburg Update:

livestock operations are exempt from the Sales & Use Tax, regardless of whether the animals are marketed for game, recreational purposes, animal parts or products, or human consumption. Similarly, Cervidae livestock operations that propagate and raise cervids for hunting shall be exempt from the Sales & Use Tax. This language will align the Tax Code with Act 51 of 2006, which defined and recognized “Cervidae livestock operations” as normal agricultural operations, and will hopefully provide the Department of Revenue with much-needed clarification.

On April 22nd, Governor Wolf announced his threephased reopening plan for Pennsylvania. The entire state is currently in the “red phase,” meaning there are full COVID-19-related restrictions in effect. However, beginning May 8th, the Governor will allow 24 counties (Northeast/ Northcentral PA) with fewer cases of COVID-19 to transition to the “yellow phase.” This means some businesses could start to reopen in those areas, but working remotely is still preferred. Schools, theaters, and gyms would remain closed. Restaurants and bars would be able to continue with curbside/delivery options only. In-person retail would be permitted, but curbside/delivery options would be preferred.

After the “yellow phase,” counties would be gradually transitioned into the “green phase,” where most restrictions would be lifted.

STATUS: The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Finance Committee on February 19th. Shortly after, we met with Finance Committee Chairman Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) to request a committee vote as soon as possible. While he seemed open to moving the bill, most bills that aren’t directly related to COVID-19 were put on a temporary hold. We have been in contact with the committee staff to make sure we stay at the top of their agenda once the hold is lifted.

Meanwhile, the House and Senate have been trying to address increasing pressure from their constituents and have been largely focused on bills that will start to reopen certain sectors of the state’s economy. It’s anticipated that Governor Wolf will veto these types of bills as they do not necessarily align with the reopening plan. However, the Governor did show some flexibility in his plan last week by lifting the original restrictions on construction, golf courses, marinas, campgrounds, and guided fishing trips. These sectors were permitted to reopen May 1st so long as they practice mitigation. Online car sales are also permitted now.

Grassroots efforts on this bill will be important. We’ll share the committee membership list with you. If any deer farmers are constituents, it would be helpful if they could connect with their legislator via email or phone call and voice their support. We always emphasize that legislators prefer to hear directly from their constituents. We’ll also draft a letter of support to distribute to committee members before each vote. Stay tuned.

The House returned to Harrisburg on May 4th for the fifth consecutive week of session. The Senate is not expected to return to session this week.

HB 2422 of 2019

This bill was introduced last session. It essentially placed deer farms under the authority of the Game Commission instead of the Department of Agriculture. Fortunately, the bill didn’t get a committee vote and effectively died at the end of last session. However, we are anticipating introduction of a similar bill this session.

LEGISLATION: SB 1036 – Tax Exemption Clarification

One of PDFA’s top legislative priorities this session is Senator Doug Mastriano’s (R-Franklin) SB 1036. It would amend the Tax Reform Code to clarify that Cervidae 18

Attached please find a full listing of bills we are tracking for the association. We’ll continue to monitor all new proposals and keep you apprised.

nomic impacts of COVID-19. The state is looking at a $4 billion deficit as a result of the pandemic, so maintaining full funding across the board will be increasingly difficult.

BUDGET:

The legislature hasn’t started internal negotiations on the budget yet, but we are hearing that they will likely have to do the budget in two parts: one spending package in June and then a revenue package later in the fall. As you know the Department of Revenue moved the tax filing date from April 15th to July 15th, so revenue numbers won’t be able for the normal June budget season.

Last year, language was added into the state budget to provide for $1 million for CWD research under the Department of Agriculture. The money was to be used for “funding research on chronic wasting disease, including research on diagnostic tests to detect chronic wasting disease in cervids and preventing humans from consuming infected venison, toward developing and testing liveanimal tests for the detection of chronic wasting disease and injectable and oral vaccines for chronic wasting disease prevention in cervids.”

Please contact our office with any questions or concerns.

We look forward to continuing to work with you.

While we initially anticipated continued funding this year, many line items will likely be taking cuts due to the eco-

Bylaw Change – Membership Dates As many of you are aware, the PDFA has implemented a new software package that creates a more efficient way to manage our memberships. Given this new way of tracking, we are recommending a change to the membership year from a fixed year (June 1st through May 31st), to a more flexible membership year. This recommendation will change the date of membership to a year from the date of payment with a 30-day grace period. For example, if you sign up, or pay your membership dues on September 22nd, your membership will be active until September 22nd the following year. This will create an alignment to the capabilities of the software and to how and when members pay their annual dues. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact the PDFA Office.

Current wording: Article II. Membership Section 1. Membership dues A. The board of directors shall set the amount of membership dues.

B. Membership dues are due on or before June 1 of each calendar year. The membership year shall be June 1st to May 31st.

C. Dues, once accepted, are non-refundable.

Recommended change: Article II. Membership Section 1. Membership dues A. The board of directors shall set the amount of membership dues.

B. Membership dues are due within 30 days of the payment date and are good for one year from that date of payment.

C. Dues, once accepted, are non-refundable.

1919

Constitution and By-laws of the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, Inc. Drafted July 12, 2003 Adopted January 30, 2004 Revised October 4, 2018 Adopted March 30, 2019 Revised October 9, 2019 Adopted February 22, 2020

Article I. Name and Mission Section 1. This association shall be known as the “Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, Inc.”

Section 2. Mission of the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association A. To preserve and promote and protect Pennsylvania’s quality Cervid industry.

B. To provide educational opportunities for our members through the sharing of information, to educate the general public and others about the Cervid industry.

C. To be a collective voice in governmental and any other issues that may benefit or adversely affect the Cervid industry.

D. Promote high ethical standards in the care, handling, and harvesting Pennsylvania’s Cervids.

E. To insist that our membership operate in a legal, honest and forthright manner with fellow members, other cervid producers and the general public.

F. This association shall be licensed by the state of Pennsylvania, and operated as a nonprofit organization.

Article II. Membership Section 1. Membership dues A. The board of directors shall set the amount of membership dues.

B. Membership dues are due within 30 days of the payment date and are good for one year from that date of payment.

C. Dues, once accepted, are non-refundable.

Section 2. Voting membership A. Fee shall be set by the board of directors annually and shall be open to all Pennsylvania’s licensed propagators, menageries, and hunting preserves.

Full individual members shall have full voting rights (includes licensee, child, spouse, business partner who is actively involved in the operation). a. Voting members must be at least 18 years of age.

B. Life membership

1 20

a. Life membership shall have all voting membership privileges without payment of annual dues upon payment of a one-time fee. a. Life membership shall have all voting membership privileges Life members must be at least 18 years of age. without payment of annual dues upon payment of a one-time fee.

Life members must be at least 18 years of age.

Section 3. Associate Membership

A. Fee shall be set by the board of directors annually due at the date of the Section 3. Associate Membership annual meeting.

A. B. Fee shall be set by the board of directors annually due at the date of the Shall be open to include licensee, child, spouse, business partner, annual meeting. associate, veterinarian, supplier, out of state cervid producers, employees B. Shall be open to include licensee, child, spouse, business partner, and other interested individuals. associate, veterinarian, supplier, out of state cervid producers, employees C. This is a non-voting membership. and other interested individuals.

D. This membership has no minimum age.

C. This is a non-voting membership.

D. This membership has no minimum age.

Section 4. Denial of Membership A. The board of directors reserve the right to deny any and all memberships.

Section 4. Denial of Membership B. Anyone denied/revoked from membership in the Association may appeal A. The board of directors reserve the right to deny any and all memberships. in writing to the President within 30 (thirty) days.

B. Anyone denied/revoked from membership in the Association may appeal

in writing to the President within 30 (thirty) days.

Article III. Officers and Directors

Section 1. Officers Article III. Officers and Directors A. The officers of this Association shall consist of: (1) president, (2) viceSection 1. Officers president, (3) secretary and (4) treasurer.

A. The officers of this Association shall consist of: (1) president, (2) vice president, (3) secretary and (4) treasurer.

Section 2. Directors

A. There shall not be less than 11 (eleven) and no more than 15 (fifteen) Section 2. Directors directors.

A. B. There shall not be less than 11 (eleven) and no more than 15 (fifteen) Directors must be at least 18 years of age. directors.

B. Directors must be at least 18 years of age.

Section 3. Membership of Officers and Directors

A. All officers and directors shall be current full voting members.

Section 3. Membership of Officers and Directors A. All officers and directors shall be current full voting members.

Section 4. Payment for Services

A. No officer or director shall receive any monies for their services.

Section 4. Payment for Services

A. No officer or director shall receive any monies for their services.

Section 5. Reimbursement of Expenses

A. An officer or director may be reimbursed for expenses upon prior Section 5. Reimbursement of Expenses approval of the board to pay such expenses when such expenses are A. An officer or director may be reimbursed for expenses upon prior incurred conducting business for this association. approval of the board to pay such expenses when such expenses are

incurred conducting business for this association.

Article IV. Officers and Directors Responsibilities and Duties

Section 1. President Article IV. Officers and Directors Responsibilities and Duties A. The president is the official spokesperson for the Association or will Section 1. President delegate a spokesperson. He/she will set agendas for board and full A. The president is the official spokesperson for the Association or will membership meetings, call and preside over all meetings and assign delegate a spokesperson. He/she will set agendas for board and full committee chairpersons.

2

Section 2. Vice-President 2 A. The vice-president will assume the responsibilities of the president in the

absence of the president. He/she will assume the responsibility of promoting the Association overseeing and facilitating the work of all 21 committees.

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membership meetings, call and preside over all meetings and assign committee chairpersons.

Section 2. Vice-President A. The vice-president will assume the responsibilities of the president in the absence of the president. He/she will assume the responsibility of promoting the Association overseeing and facilitating the work of all committees.

Section 3. Secretary A. The secretary will record and maintain minutes of all meetings. He/she will maintain and disseminate all correspondence and tally votes.

Section 4. Treasurer A. The treasurer will keep a complete and accurate record of all transactions and report to the board and full membership at all meetings. He/she will pay bills in a timely manner. All transactions will be made by check, all checks will be signed by one officer. A treasurer’s report shall be given at all annual meetings, special meetings and meetings of officers and directors.

Section 5. Directors A. The board of directors shall be the governing body for this Association.

The board of directors shall determine the policy for the Association within the guidelines established by these bylaws.

Section 6. Committees A. Board members at large shall serve as chairpersons of committees as assigned by the president. They shall attend and participate in board meetings on a regular basis. They shall promote the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association and its mission.

Section 7. Disputes A. All disputes will be handled by the officers and the board of directors of the Association.

Article V. Election of Officers and Directors Section 1. Terms A. All officers and board members will serve a three-year term. There shall be no limit to the number of terms they hold. Terms to begin and end at the annual meeting. There will be staggering terms with one third of the directors elected each year.

Section 2. Nominating Committee A. The president of the Association shall appoint a three-member nominating committee, consisting of three members, not up for re3 election at the first meeting of each year.

B. Nominating committee shall contain at least one member of the current board.

Section 3. Election Procedures 24 A. The board shall accept nominations starting the day following the annual meeting.

board.

Section 3. Election Procedures A. The board shall accept nominations starting the day following the annual meeting.

B. All nominations shall close 90 (ninety) days prior to the annual meeting.

C. Voting members unable to attend the annual meeting should request an Absentee Ballot via the PDFA Office. They may be requested after the close of nominations.

D. All completed Absentee Ballots must be received by the secretary (30) thirty days prior to the date of the annual meeting.

Article VI. Removal of an Officer or Director Section 1. Removal A. An officer or director not fulfilling his duties may be removed from office by a majority vote of the board members present at a scheduled meeting.

B. Any board member failing to attend 3 (three) consecutive board meetings without a prior legitimate excuse will be considered to have abandoned his/her position.

Section 2. Vacancies A. The vice president shall serve in the absence of the president.

B. In the absence, inability, or removal of the vice-president, secretary or treasurer, the president shall appoint another board member to assume the duties and responsibilities of that office. The vacancy shall then be filled by election by the board. The person elected does not need to be a current board member.

C. Any vacant position, on the board, may be filled by the majority vote of the board of directors. The appointed board member shall serve the term of the person being replaced.

Article VII. Meetings Section 1. Annual Meeting A. There shall be at least one annual meeting of the full membership no later than the thirtieth of May of each year.

Section 2. Additional Meetings A. Additional membership, educational, or benefit meetings may be called at the discretion of the officers and directors.

Section 3. Officer and Directors Meetings A. The officers and directors shall hold regular meetings. Additional meetings may be called by the president as needed.

4

Section 4. Quorum A. A quorum of at least one half of the officers and directors must be present to hold meeting.

Section 5. Meeting Agendas and Minutes A. All board meeting agendas and minutes will be made available to the general membership upon written request to the president.

Article VIII. Conduct of Meeting Section 1. Robert’s Rules A. All meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 2. Electronic/Email Voting A. All participants must have access to the necessary equipment for participation in the email vote. If any participants do not have access, a vote for or against must be taken via phone call in the event an email cannot be taken. The President shall call those without email access to obtain their vote. An additional board member appointed by the Vice President shall make a secondary contact to validate the vote.

B. The President shall develop the time frame for the email vote.

25 C. A minimum of two days-notice shall be provided to all participants via

PENNSYLVANIA DEER FARMERS ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (Please check one)

❑ New

❑ Renewal - Member #____________ (if known)

Membership Name:___________________________________________Date________________ Farm Name:_____________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ City:_______________________State:_______Zip:_____________County___________________ Phone #1 (will appear in directory)________________________ Phone #2:______________________ Fax:____________________________E-mail:__________________________________________ Website_________________________________________________________________________ I am joining as (please check one) ❑ Active PA Propagator* (voting privileges) - $100.00

❑ Associate Member (non-voting) - $75.00

IMPORTANT Please check all that apply: ❑ Farm ❑ Hunting Ranch Ranch Name & Contact info if different from Farm:

❑ Life Member* (voting privileges) - $1,000.00

*Must be a Pennsylvania resident

❑ Other _________________________

I hereby make application to the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, Inc. and certify that the information I have provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

Signature:___________________________________________ Date:______________________ Please mail application with payment to: PA Deer Farmers Association P. O. Box 3635 • Williamsport, PA 17701

Payment method:

Check (made payable to PDFA) - #__________________

Credit Card - ______Visa ______Master Card ______Discover

Card # __________ - __________ - __________ - __________ (Please print clearly)

Expiration Date _____/_____

________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Authorized Signature

27

3-digit V-code __________

_______________________________________ Credit Card Billing Zip Code

B. C. D. E. F.

G. H. I.

J.

cannot be taken. The President shall call those without email access to obtain their vote. An additional board member appointed by the Vice President shall make a secondary contact to validate the vote.

The President shall develop the time frame for the email vote.

A minimum of two days-notice shall be provided to all participants via email or telephone by the Secretary. Notice shall include the motion and supporting documentation for the email vote.

A second is not necessary for the motion to be considered.

Only one Email motion may be considered at a time. Each motion must be completed before a new motion may be considered.

OPENING A MOTION FOR CONSIDERATION The President shall assign a number to the motion and shall include the number in the subject line. (Example: PDFA Email Motion 2019-1) a. The subject line must include the word “Motion.” b. The first line of the message must begin with “It is moved to (or that)…” If the motion comes from a specific officer or committee member “(name of officer) moves to (or that)…”

Members shall use “Reply All” in all messages.

Members may respond at will, that is, without seeking recognition from the President.

VOTE The President shall put the question to a vote by restating the pending question and requesting the members to vote now. The word “vote” shall be in the subject line. (Example: PDFA Email Motion 1-a Vote) The President shall include the time frame/deadline for the vote.

K. Members shall state, “I vote yes,” or “I vote no” in the first line of the 5 response and use “Reply All”.

L. The secretary shall tally the votes and report the result of the vote to the participants, including the number of votes cast for and against the motion.

M. The President shall announce the results of the vote.

N. The President shall either state the next pending motion and open debate or shall declare the thread on “PDFA Email Motion (number)” closed.

SECRETARY’S RECORDS AND MINUTES O. The secretary (or committee member so designated) shall compile and maintain the complete thread of the motion and its disposition including all secondary and incidental motions.

P. The secretary shall prepare minutes of the vote and shall send the minutes marked “draft” to all the members.

Q. These minutes shall be approved at the next regular meeting.

R. Any member shall have the right to request a copy of the message thread of a motion.

SAMPLE MINUTES OF AN E-MAIL VOTE S. On October 15, 2009, at 2:45 p.m. CST, Catherine Luther, president of the Wittenburg District LWML, e-mailed to all members of the Board of Directors. PDFA Email Motion 1: To allow grant recipient #23 Peace Lutheran Church to redirect their grant funds to build a preschool instead of an elementary school. E-mail debate continued until October 21, 2009, at 4 p.m. The President put the question to an Email vote at 5 p.m. on October 21, 2009. The vote closed at 5 p.m. on October 23, 2009. By a vote of 7 in favor and 1 opposed, the motion was approved.

Article IX. Committees Section 1. Standing Committees A. The board of directors shall decide any standing committees that are deemed necessary and proper to fulfill the objective of this Association.

Section 2. Special Committees A. All special committees shall be appointed by the board

28 28 Section 3. Committee Chairperson A. All standing or special committee chairperson(s) shall be members of the

Section 2. Special Committees A. All special committees shall be appointed by the board

Section 3. Committee Chairperson A. All standing or special committee chairperson(s) shall be members of the board of directors.

B. The committee chairperson shall be appointed by the president. Other members of the committee may be appointed by the president or other board members. All appointments shall be subject to approval by the board.

Article X. Financial Matters Section 1. Banking 6 A. The treasurer shall deposit all funds of the Association in an accredited

bank or banks and keep accurate records of collections and withdrawals.

The funds shall be deposited in the name of the Association.

Section 2. Payments and/or Withdrawals A. Any expenditure exceeding $500 will require prior approval of the board of directors.

Section 3. Expense Documentation A. The treasurer shall refuse to pay any expenses incurred by any person or committee until all the required expense documentation has been properly presented.

Section 4. Audits A. The books of the treasurer are to be audited each year prior to the annual meeting by a committee of three (3) members appointed by the president.

Section 5. Disbandment A. In the case of disbandment of the Association any and all monies remaining in the treasury, after all debts are paid will be distributed to one or more non-profit Cervid organizations at the discretion of the board.

Article XI. Changes to the Constitution or Bylaws Section 1. Request for Changes or Additions A. Changes or additions can be made to the bylaws by publishing the change or addition in the Association newsletter once prior to a mailing to the membership for final vote, with the decision being decided by the majority of the ballots received.

7

29

OKLAHOMA DEER FARMERS

FEELING RESILIENT ABOUT 2020 By: Gail Veley • Sponsored by WOO

T

he demand for deer is high in the state of Oklahoma this year, concurring with an available vaccine for EHD. “We’ve had a lot more ranches open up,” said Whitetails of Oklahoma President Chris Ezell. “No one here is going to be selling their deer outside of Oklahoma. We’ve got too much demand right here. The price of our deer will be top dollar.”

That’s great news and a welcomed way to forge ahead in 2020, according to Ezell and various members of WOO. Events in 2019 challenged the resolve of virtually every Oklahoma deer farmer as unusual amounts of rain, an EHD epidemic and the inability to acquire the EHD vaccine caused many farmers to lose insurmountable deer and subsequently “close up” shop. However, several established deer farms have ridden out the storm.

Their optimism will be rewarded.

Through the networking efforts of NADeFA and Executive Director Shawn Schafer, an EHD vaccine is available this year through Medgene Labs located in South Dakota. While the vaccine is still considered experimental, it has been produced as a result of meticulous technology and numerous hours of field testing, in an effort to ensure its safety and effectiveness, said Ashley Petersen, Clinical Research and Development Lead Scientist at Medgene. In fact, Schafer’s own deer herd in Turtle Lake, North Dakota served as a test group in the late fall of 2018.

News about the vaccine and the recent national annual convention for Whitetails of Oklahoma held January 31st – February 1st helped to reignite

enthusiasm for the deer industry in Oklahoma and also served as a vehicle to welcome a new set of guests also holding their national annual convention – The North American Elk Breeders Association. Close to 40 members of NAEBA representing approximately 30 farms joined forces with WOO for a first-time event.

“We wanted to do something in the southern region and chose Oklahoma as they have been very active in recent years with CWD research,” said Brenda Hartkopf, office manager for NAEBA. “We wanted to support them in their efforts.” As a result, NAEBA members staffed six booths at the convention.

As popular as raising whitetail may be, raising elk has begun to rise in popularity. States well-known for raising elk include Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Ohio, Nebraska, Utah and Idaho, according to Hartkopf.

Although NAEBA routinely explores various other areas of the country for their national convention “we would certainly consider joining with (WOO) again in the future,” she said.

Likewise, Oklahoma deer farmers are joining together to make 2020 the year where optimism and perseverance pay off. “I’d say we’re a seven in terms of optimism,” Ezell emphasized. Although rain amounts this year are “keeping pace” with rain amounts from 2019, the vaccine will help substantially combat the forces of Mother Nature, Ezell reassured. “We will do business with any state that does business with us,” he added.

WOO President Chris Ezell 918-697-5389

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