Raising animals and tending the land is a way of life that has been handed down by our grandfathers and their fathers before them. But today many landowners are finding it increasingly difficult to pay the bills, and the outdoor way of life is fading from the North American landscape. Thankfully, deer farming is giving many families a whole new outlook on land stewardship and a new means to save and grow the family farm.
Deer farming is one of the fastest growing industries in rural America, and it is a great alternative agricultural pursuit for families. Compared to traditional livestock, the deer industry is booming. It generates $3 billion for the U.S. economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs in communities across the country. In fact, a Texas A&M study reports deer farming as one of the fastest growing industries in rural America.
Today, many Americans enjoy raising and working with whitetail deer every day. Here are a few quick facts about deer farming:
- While raising deer may not be as common as raising cattle, goats or other traditional livestock, it is not a new practice. Deer farming has been around since 5,000 B.C. in China and it officially came to United States more than 100 years ago.
- Raising deer maximizes land potential so that even small tracts of marginal property can become extremely profitable.
- Raising deer helps conservation efforts by preserving open space for wildlife.
- Deer farming helps us preserve our American outdoor traditions and gives the next generation a connection with nature that we are so desperately missing.
- The whitetail deer is the most popular big game animal in North America. There’s no reward greater than watching and caring for these amazing animals.
