Profiting from Layers, Broilers, Turkeys, and Ducks
Many new farmers get started with poultry, because it’s a relatively low-investment enterprise with a fairly quick turnaround time from investment to revenue. The margins can be slim though, and farmers need to develop the necessary skillset in order to produce a product that is both safe and profitable. This course will help you get started with all the basic information to build a successful poultry enterprise.
”As someone new to raising poultry, all the information was very eye opening. I can plan properly now that I have concrete information. I have a clearer idea of what is involved and I am still excited to try!” –Gregg D, Atlanta, GA
Target Audience
BEGINNER – The course is for aspiring and beginning farmers (individuals with limited or no experience with poultry rearing) seeking to learn about poultry production and the marketing, processing, and sales of poultry and poultry products in New York State. (NOTE: You do not have to be farming in NYS to benefit from the production-oriented information in this course).
Course Objectives
At the completion of this course, you will:
- Understand of the basics of poultry production from field to plate.
- Have knowledge of breed selection, production systems, flock management practices, and cost of production.
- Identify rules and regulation for sale of poultry products to various market outlets in New York State.
Webinars
The bulk of the course happens on your own time, with discussions, readings, and assignments in MOODLE, our virtual classroom. To add to the experience, webinars will be woven into the online interface of the course to allow you to meet on a weekly basis to learn from outside presenters, ask questions, and collaborate with other participants and the instructor to address your farm issues in real time. If you miss one, they are always recorded and posted for later viewing. Access details will be posted in MOODLE once you have registered and logged in.
Dates
This course is currently closed for registration. It will next be offered in Fall 2017.
Instructors
Lynn Bliven, Issue Leader with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County, NY, and owner of Wild Geese Farm LLC
Please note that Storey’s Guide to Raising Poultry, 4th Edition: Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Guineas, Game Birds by Glenn Drowns is a required text for this course. Please make purchase prior to first week.
Course Outline
Week 1. Introduction to Poultry Production
Topics covered: Navigating in Moodle (our online classroom), course expectations, student introductions, introduction to poultry production, breed selection, basics of chick rearing, housing and equipment. Our webinar guest speaker will be Jim Adkins, Founder and President of Sustainable Poultry Network -USA
Week 2. Understanding cost of production and regulations for poultry products
Topics covered: Developing enterprise budgets for meat and/or layer production based on potential markets.
Week 3. Processing and food safety concerns for meat & egg producers
Topics covered: Navigating regulations; food borne illness and disease; meat and egg quality; on-farm processing; producer’s role in consumer education; certification programs.
Week 4. Poultry Nutrition
Topics covered: fowl digestive systems, nutrition levels based on age, production and breed; feed sources and balanced rations, production issues/diseases associated with improper nutrition. Our guest presenter this week is Karma Glos Co-Owner of Kingbird Farm in Berkshire, NY
Week 5. Health and Disease
Topics include: anatomy and physiology; understanding normal behavior, recognizing abnormal behavior; biosecurity; common diseases; flock health management. Our guest presenter this week is Kathy Bliss, Assistant Professor and Veterinary Technician with Alfred State College.
Week 6. Business planning, Bookkeeping, and Marketing.
Topics include: Planning and record keeping, poultry enterprise plans, course wrap up and time for individual farm specific questions/concerns.
Cost and Registration
Fee for this course is $250. Registration is currently closed and will re-open in Fall 2017.
Sign up for any of our courses a month or more in advance of the start date and receive $25 off. Sign up for three or more courses and received $50 off your total.