Please describe yourself and what you do outside of the reindeer industry.
Hello ROBA members, my name is Jeff Fritz. Thank you for your consideration for this board position. I’ve been around this Cervid industry for 40 years now. I started in the Cervid industry in 1984 with elk and began raising reindeer in 1987 in Wisconsin. In 1991, my wife Teri and I started our reindeer farm in Osseo WI and started the exhibition company, Noel Productions. We raised our 3 kids on our farm, Hans, Hannah
and Sven. In 1999, we were routinely hitting the road for reindeer exhibitions around the U.S. While I born and raised as a fourth-generation dairy farmer, I’ve chosen to get into many industries of diversified ag with cervids, exotics, endangered species and the fencing business. Fritz Fencing started in 1987, when I needed high-tensile fencing myself and wanted to create a solution for deer farmers across the country.
We continue to expand our many companies and grow our family operated farms. With 2 reindeer farms in Wisconsin and 1 reindeer farm in Colorado, we are hopeful for a good calving season and look forward to the 2024 holiday season. We currently raise reindeer, elk, fallow deer, sika deer, dromedary camels, miniature horses and great pyrenees. With my kids being third generation deer farmers themselves, I’m
invested in seeing this industry continue and prosper. I want to see through that reindeer farming is still a viable option with everything that it entails – state and federal regulations, legislation, education, husbandry, nutrition, veterinary care, genetics, breeding, animal health and welfare, etc. Deer farming is one of the fastest growing industries in rural America, and according to NADEFA, it generates $7.9 billion for the U.S. economy. I’d say that’s a validated industry, but with continuing challenges in the forefront. I’ve been involved with ROBA since the start in the late 80’s. Around a farm kitchen table in the summer of 1988, with Tom, Larry and I, we discussed how necessary a reindeer association was for farmers and legislative reform. I’ve been proud to be a part of ROBA and represent the industry. Over the last three decades, I’ve committed to many associations in Ag, whether board positions or thru memberships. I’m a founding and lifetime member of NAEBA (North America Elk Breeders Association), active member of NADEFA (North America Deer and Elk Farmers Association), WOW (Whitetails of Wisconsin), WCDEFA (Wisconsin Commercial Deer and Elk Farmers Association), RFA (Reindeer Farmers Association) and ROBA (Reindeer Owners and Breeders Association). We’ve raised many reindeer in the last three decades and as
we reflect on our daily challenges and successes on our production reindeer farms, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed so many aspects of this industry. The livelihood and lifestyle for our children to grow within, our
clients, the support from local communities and public for reindeer exhibits, the joys of operating our businesses with our next generation, and our course the great community that exists with fellow reindeer farmers.
I appreciate the nomination and consideration for this regional position. I believe in the reindeer industry values and support ROBA’s mission and efforts. Being involved in organizations like ROBA is very important to the future of our reindeer farms and I’d like to do my part in representing our region and industry.
You can reach me via phone or email with any questions. I look forward to seeing many of you at the ROBA conference next year!
Thank you – Jeff Fritz
