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At RGM Farms, we strive to be responsible stewards of our land and the wildlife that shares it with us. Recently, we faced a difficult decision when the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) contacted us and encouraged us to participate in their Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management program. This program is now in effect in our area, and after months of careful consideration, we decided to participate.
The MDC's request was to harvest up to five deer on our small five-acre property. CWD is a serious threat to Missouri's deer population, and the program aims to help control its spread. After much thought and discussion, we harvested four deer: two bucks, including one exceptionally large buck, and two smaller does.
We understand that not everyone will agree with our decision. However, we believe it was the responsible choice for our land and the wider deer population. We are working directly with the MDC and following all guidelines.
As a part of the program, we are able to utilize the fully processed, non-diseased meat. We are sharing this resource with those who enjoy venison and with families who could benefit from a healthy source of protein. It's important to us that this harvest serves a purpose and contributes to our community.
This experience has also brought unexpected joys. Taking the time to observe the wildlife on our property has been incredibly rewarding. We were surprised to learn just how rich our little farm is in biodiversity. We've seen more than just deer – a variety of birds, small mammals, and even the occasional fox have visited our land. These observations have deepened our connection to our environment and reinforced our commitment to its health.
We encourage everyone to learn more about CWD and the MDC's management program. You can find detailed information on the MDC website: mdc.mo.gov.
We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate these challenging issues and work to maintain a healthy ecosystem at RGM Farms.
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