Farmers and Communities Manage Deer
In NC, deer consume approximately $30 million of crops annually. High levels of crop loss typically require farmers to replant fields or obtain special permits to eliminate nuisance deer. Removal of deer annually and in a sustainable manner saves farmers money and provides a protein-rich food source to local commodities. Since 2012, under the NCTTFC’s supported Farmers and Communities Manage Deer program, hunters, farmers and community organizations have been working together to harvest deer to assist farmers while feeding the hungry. Establishment of this community model has developed a support network for the project and laid a foundation for future expansion. If funded, the program will take the logical next step to expand—the NC Hunters for the Hungry processor network will be increased to accommodate more harvested deer in traditional tobacco and soybean farming communities while more funds will be allocated for deer processing.