For producers

Where can I sell my <1,000 bird exempt farm-raised poultry?

As an <1000 exempt producer, you may only sell birds direct-to-consumer from your farm. It is legal to advertise the availability of your birds for on-farm pickup at the farmer’s market or through an online outlet such as Craigslist. You may not, however, make any formal claims on the production of the birds such as organic, GMO-free, hormone-free, etc. The birds can only be advertised as farm-raised.

 

What does my processing facility or area need to be compliant?

Your processing facility or area must be sanitary, poultry products must be wholesome and records of production, slaughter, processing, and sales must be kept. If you are reported to the state for any reason they will ask to see detailed production and slaughter records. Make sure you have them!

For a more in-depth guide to best practices, review North Carolina Choice’s On-Farm Processing Poultry: Tips for Safe Poultry Handling, Cornell University’s On Farm Poultry Slaughter Guidelines: Food Safety and Best Management Practices for Farmers Processing Less Than 1,000 Birds/Year and Oregon State University’s Best Practices Guide to Open-Air Poultry Slaughter.
 

How do I dispose of the waste from processing my birds?

Waste in a small-scale processing operation includes feathers, offal, and blood. All of this waste can be composted - if properly handled. Review Washington State University’s Composting of Poultry Offal Demonstration Project for best practices. Waste water from processing that has suspended solids (fat, etc.) can be put on the compost or applied directly to the field.

https://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/documents/poultry/SmScalePoultryProcess.pdf pp 17-18

 

How can I store my <1000 exempt birds after processing?

Poultry products must be handled and stored under safe conditions. Fresh poultry should be cooked or frozen within two days of processing assuming proper temperatures have been maintained during that period. At the point-of-sale, ensure raw and exempt processed poultry is kept separated from inspected meat and poultry products. Provide new, clean bags for customers to carry home raw poultry. Do not allow customers to carry raw poultry and produce in the same bag. Provide hand sanitizer for staff and customers for use when handling raw poultry. Regularly sanitize shared surfaces on market tables to avoid cross-contamination. Do not share scales with poultry and produce. The same precautions should be taken even if the poultry is frozen. https://www.ncagr.gov/meatpoultry/pdf/NCC_Poultry_BMP_final.pdf

 

For Consumers and Community Members

How do I find farm-raised and slaughtered poultry in my community?

If you are interested in on-farm slaughtered poultry the first step would be to ask your community members if they have any connections to farmers doing on-farm processing. You can also ask producers at your local farmer’s markets, or look for producers at the market advertising on-farm sales of poultry. Some producers advertise through on-line outlets such as Craigslist. There are also Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) options that may include poultry. Contact Johnson County based Local Foods Connection or Field to Family for information regarding CSAs or farm businesses that offer poultry.


What if I get sick from an <1000 exempt bird?

If you believe you have become ill as the result of consuming poultry from an <1000 bird exempt operation, immediately contact your physician and the Johnson County Health Department at 319-356-6040. The Health Department main desk will put you in touch with the appropriate contacts to take action and track your illness. A visit to your physician as soon as possible upon the presentation of symptoms will assure accurate investigation into the nature of your illness. The Johnson County Health Department will work with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to pursue further action as it is necessary.

 

What if an <1000 bird producer is raising and selling more than 1000 birds per year or selling to an unapproved outlets such as local restaurants or across state lines?

If you believe a producer is violating the <1000 bird exemption you can report the producer to the State of Iowa Meat and Poultry Inspection department at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The state will make a formal investigation into the claim and an action will be taken ranging from a written warning for first time offenders to fines for repeat offenders. Criminal action can be taken in extreme circumstances. To make a formal, anonymous complaint, contact the Iowa Meat and Poultry Inspection office at 515-281-5597.

 

Resources

Ilsa DeWald: Johnson County Local Food Coordinator

Phone: 319-356-6083 ext. 8057
email: [email protected]