“What is the most appropriate approach for your farm to process poultry meat for sale? Does it make sense to process your birds on-farm, take them to be processed in an existing USDA-inspected plant or state-licensed facility, or establish a new plant?”

So begins the ATTRA publication, Approaches to Processing Poultry Meat for Sale: Navigating Regulations across the United States. Written by Ann Baier, this 8-page document is an invaluable resource for anyone considering starting, expanding, or diversifying a meat poultry operation.

The report proceeds to answer each of those initial questions, first explaining the differences between USDA- and state-inspected plants, and the meaning of the word “exempt” as applied to poultry processing regulations.

It then provides detailed descriptions of what is involved in having poultry processed in both USDA-inspected and state-inspected plants, as well as considerations for those intending to process their own birds. In addition, it offers guidance for producers considering starting their own processing plant.

The publication wraps up with an extensive list of further resources, with internet links for each.

Approaches to Processing Poultry Meat for Sale: Navigating Regulations across the United States is available free in electronic format (both html and pdf) from the ATTRA website.