Anyone know of a USDA processor in Kentucky or close by?

[Fields]

I'm looking to start raising meat birds, but to sell here at the Farmers Market and whatnot, the poultry has to be processed at a USDA facility. I've called a few places that show they do it, but have been told by them that they no longer do poultry. I am wanting it processed for whole chicken and for the other cuts. Also, how much are you all paying per bird to have processed so I can get an idea.

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I think Misty Lea Farm in Pembroke is the processor used by many people in the region...and I'm guessing that Marksbury is one of the processors that is no longer processing poultry. I know from personal experience that poultry processors (especially USDA) have become very difficult to find out here.

Have you already looked into the feasibility of the KSU Mobile Processing Unit?

 

[Ridgerunner]

You might call your county extension office and see if they can help. They should be able to.

 

[Fields]

I think Misty Lea in Pembroke is the processor used by many people in the region...and I'm guessing that Marksbury is one of the processors that is no longer processing poultry. I know from personal experience that poultry processors (especially USDA) have become very difficult to find out here.

Have you already looked into the feasibility of the KSU Mobile Processing Unit?

Whew, she’s 3.5 hours away from me. Was hoping there was one closer.

I contacted the guy about the KSU unit, but I don’t know how or have the desire to do the processing my self. I guess I could try to find someone local that does it. As long as it’s done in the unit then it’ll be good to go.

 

[Fields]

You might call your county extension office and see if they can help. They should be able to.

I did, and they emailed me a list of processors in Kentucky. Literally everyone I called no longer does poultry anymore. I’m hoping there is one or two that’s just not on the list for some reason.

 

[Ridgerunner]

That is frustrating. All I can say is good luck.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Whew, she’s 3.5 hours away from me. Was hoping there was one closer.

I contacted the guy about the KSU unit, but I don’t know how or have the desire to do the processing my self. I guess I could try to find someone local that does it. As long as it’s done in the unit then it’ll be good to go.

Misty Lea Farm is a long haul away from me, too, but it's probably where I'd take my birds if I didn't process them myself, based on their reviews as well as the fact that many local poultry sellers appear to take their poultry there.

I also looked into the KSU MPU but I typically process small groups of birds, so that didn't ultimately make sense for me, either. There's also required training that must be completed before you're eligible to use the MPU facilities and, unless things have changed, the training is only offered once a year.

Backing up a bit - have you already done market research on the viability of selling poultry through your identified channels? You may want to talk to folks who already operate this type of business, too - one seller in my area pretty much stopped selling whole birds because consumers were only buying retail cuts. Competing with factory-farmed birds on price will be difficult, and feed costs just keep rising (at least near me). And there's the cost of liability insurance...

I'm not trying to discourage you from pursuing your venture, but wanted to provide some food for thought. Best of luck!