Business Management
Penn State Extension offers extensive advice on poultry farm management to help growers establish commercial viability and business success. When it comes to raising meat chickens, turkeys, and game birds such as pheasants and partridges, coming up with a detailed flock plan is of utmost significance. Such plans are also needed for growers focused on egg production and egg sales. Detailed advice on biosecurity, farming laws and regulatory compliance, and the handling of egg and meat poultry sales is available here.
Starting a Poultry Farm
For those just starting out, the planning process is an essential step that can save a lot of time and money later. Factors such as permitting, local ordinances, and zoning laws, as well as the scale of the desired production, must all be considered carefully at the start.
Slaughtering and marketing of poultry meat is strictly regulated with different regimens applying to operations of different sizes. A thorough description of the requirements for different types of producers as well as the possibility of USDA exemptions for some producers is described here.
Chicken farmers will also benefit from some basic knowledge of the current requirements for feedstuff quality as outlined by the Food Safety Modernization Act.
Growers can find the most updated poultry farming and market information by attending the Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference and the Northeast Conference on Avian Diseases. Important aspects of pest and nutrient management will be discussed during the Dairy, Livestock, and Crop Compliance Conference.
Starting a Turkey Production
While demand for turkey meat is mostly seasonal in the United States, it can be an attractive proposition for growers. Those interested in trying out small-scale turkey production can find here advice on common turkey breeds, feeding and watering, health issues, and the marketing and processing of turkey products.
Pricing the product is something that small-scale turkey growers can control and need to consider carefully by first calculating their cost of production.
Commercial Poultry Industry
A quick overview of how modern facilities manage to keep the cost of raising chickens low is available in this article which summarizes the latest scientific breakthroughs and discusses the prevalent business model for the commercial poultry industry. Information on the stages of egg production, such as primary breeders, hatching eggs, pullet rearing, and egg collection and marketing is available here. Growers can also find information on meat hybrids and the different stages in their rearing.
Like in poultry, turkey growing has also seen significant modernization, allowing for the quick and efficient production of turkey meat products. Penn State Extension offers an overview of stages of this process such as incubation, hatching, grow-out farms, and harvesting.
Game Birds Industry
The rearing of game birds is mostly related to demand from regulated hunting grounds and wild restocking efforts.
In Pennsylvania, game bird propagation is licensed and regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The Pennsylvania Game Breeders and Hunting Preserves Conference provides interested professionals with an opportunity to find out the latest information about raising game birds and operating regulated hunting preserves.
- Articles
Marketing Poultry Slaughtered Under USDA Exemption
Are you raising poultry and wondering what rules apply to you? The following summary states where you can sell your poultry depending on how it was processed and what other regulations apply. - Articles
Planning to Start Raising Poultry
If you are planning to start raising poultry for the first time it is important that you understand best management practices. - Articles
Enterprise Budgeting for Small Poultry Flocks
Articles and budget tools for small flocks of poultry used for meat and eggs. - Articles
Enterprise Budgeting for Small Farms and Homesteads
Creating a budget can be a valuable experience not only for folks who are raising crops or livestock for profit, but also those who are homesteading. -
Animal Science Apprenticeship Program
Work your way into a rewarding career in animal agriculture with an innovative program that matches career seekers with training and a paid work experience while you learn. -
Avian Influenza
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are present in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, and in wild waterfowl. This landing page serves to provide the most up-to-date information and resources for poultry owners in Pennsylvania. - Articles
Small-Flock Turkey Production
Raising turkeys can be a satisfying educational activity as well as a source of economical, high-quality meat for your family and friends. - Webinars
Small and Backyard Poultry Flock Talks: Pricing for Small Flock Products
Learn how to properly price out your small flock products at markets, stands, or in retail. -
Pennsylvania 4-H
4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. - Conferences
Pennsylvania Game Breeders and Hunting Preserves Conference
Length 2 daysInterested in raising game birds or managing the operation of a hunting preserve? Don't miss this conference conducted by some of the most experienced individuals in the field! - Conferences
Pennsylvania Poultry Sales and Service Conference and Northeast Conference on Avian Diseases
Length 1.5 days - 13 hours totalDynamic two-day conference covering vital poultry industry insights, with sessions on poultry health, HPAI trends, and specialized breakout discussions. Includes excellent networking opportunities. -
Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Program
This program provides a comprehensive source of information about the Nutrient Management Act (Act 38, 2005), and associated technical guidance and educational information. - Articles
Pheasant Production
Professional game breeders in Pennsylvania produce one-half million commercial pheasants annually, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission also produces birds. - Articles
Partridge Production
Partridge producers typically raise one of two distinct species, the chukar or the Hungarian partridge.