LENAWEE CO. — Deer overpopulation is raising concerns beyond crop damage in Michigan, as researchers work to better understand its broader impact on farms and public safety.
Michigan State University Extension is studying wildlife control in crop production, specifically measuring how much yield loss farmers face from deer feeding on soybeans. While data exists for disease cases and vehicle crashes involving deer, researchers say crop loss numbers remain unclear.
MSU Extension educator Nicole Ritchie said deer overpopulation goes beyond crop damage.
That was Extension educator Nicole Ritchie who said her research compares protected sections of fields to overall yields to quantify those losses.
The findings will be shared at an upcoming grower winter meeting in southeast Michigan.