By Blake Jackson
Apple Shamrock Dairy Farm in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, is one of many farms experiencing significant financial losses due to crop damage caused by deer. The Waddell family, who manage the farm, estimates that they lose up to half of their yield on certain crops due to deer damage. This has a major impact on their bottom line, forcing them to make difficult decisions about which crops to grow and how much to invest in fencing.
The problem of deer damage is not unique to the Waddells. Crop damage from wildlife is a major concern for farmers across Pennsylvania, and the state ranks as one of the nation's top sufferers. According to USDA data, Pennsylvania farmers lost over $20 million on corn and $15 million on soybeans in 2017 alone.
The losses are not just financial. The deer are also impacting the environment by eating seedlings and preventing forests from regenerating. This has a negative effect on wildlife habitat and biodiversity.
While there are programs in place to help farmers mitigate deer damage, such as the Red Tag and DMAP programs, they are not enough to address the problem. The decline in experienced hunters is also contributing to the deer population boom.
One potential solution is fencing, but it is expensive and not always feasible for all farmers. Another option is to increase the number of hunting permits issued by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. However, this is a controversial issue that has been met with resistance from some hunters who believe it will lead to overhunting.
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is actively working with state and federal legislators to find a solution to the problem. They urge consumers to be aware of the issue and how it affects them at the grocery store. Ultimately, a multi-pronged approach is needed to address the issue of deer damage and protect Pennsylvania's farms and forests.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim%20fawns
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops