What is the difference between 1000/20,000 processing USDA exemptions

[DanIndiana]

Even after reading this document http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oppde/rdad/fsisnotices/poultry_slaughter_exemption_0406.pdf
I don't see much difference between the two exemptions. Am I missing something?

Also, is it correct that if you are using one of these exemptions then you can't also process birds for others? That seems like an odd restriction.

 

[PotterWatch]

There really isn't any difference other than the number you can sell. But, if you are selling under the 1,000 exemption and decide you want to sell more, I don't know if you can switch to the 20,000 at any time or if you have to wait until the next year.

It is correct that you can only process the birds you have raised.

 

[booker81]

I *think* (but don't quote me), that the 20,000 limit applies to folks who wish to sell their processed, personally raised poultry to restaurants, establishments, or resale, plus package it according to the guidelines, plus the facility they process at doesn't have other poultry processed at it (or if they rent equipment to process, they can't process other poultry on it while it's at their place).

I've been spending way too much time staring at that darn sheet, so I might be overlooking, but that's what it says to me

 

[crperdue]

In my state (NC) I can process 1,000 without any state inspection whatsoever.

For 1,000-20,000 I have to have a facility that the state inspects once and approves.

Over 20,000 I must have a state (or USDA) inspector on sight at all times.

That is my current understanding, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

I am going through my local extension agent to try to find out who handles this locally
so I can talk to them and get the real, "plain English" answers to what I need to do.

I am convinced that a local non-profit working with the extension service is helping
farmers distribute and market poultry products in a manner that breaks the processing
exemption laws. After having an extension agent on sight, It is really clear to me that
they have no clue at all about what is legal and what is not.

Somehow I feel that if I stamp "MADE IN CHINA" on my birds then the government
would think they were fine.

 

[Retribution]

Somehow I feel that if I stamp "MADE IN CHINA" on my birds then the government
would think they were fine.

You know I hate to say it but I have to agree with you on the "MADE IN CHINA" comment, sorry to digress, it's not my intention redirect the conversation but when I saw that I was compelled to agree, sorry.

I too am waiting for my local guy to reply to me on this issue. When I hear something I post the reply.

Thanks