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Poultry Processing Equipment Rental Program

Poultry Processing Equipment Rental Program

NABC has been working with local farmers to overcome processing obstacles that are faced when trying to expand farming operations. The issue of where and how to process product is usually an obstacle for new value-added enterprises. In order to meet growing demand for poultry processing and to help reach the market for fresh, local, poultry products in our communities we have purchased Featherman processing equipment that is available for rent. 

This equipment can be used in conjunction with the WSDA permits for on farm sales or for home consumption of poultry. It is available for a rental fee of $25 per day to all farmers in the 5 counties we serve (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, & Whatcom). Demand for the equipment is high so we recommend reserving equipment for your slaughter dates in advance. 

Processing Equipment:
Equipment Checkout Agreement
Availability Calendar  
Web Resources

The Equipment
  • Featherman Pro Automatic Picker and Featherman Scalder allow for efficient harvest of farm raised poultry. The equipment can handle birds ranging from 3 to 50 lbs and is limited to around 72 birds/hour depending on size. The picker and scalder are easily transportable in the back of a small pickup and require minimal clean-up. 
  • Chicken and turkey kill cones, dunker/ shackle combo and a 300 gallon chill tank are also included in the rental.
  • For more information about the equipment visit Featherman Equipment Company.
 

NEW for 2009: Vacuum packing extends the life of refrigerated or perishable products by 3-5 times their normal shelf life and eliminates freezer burn.  Now available as a separate rental is a commercial grade vacuum packing system ideal for broilers and heritage breed turkeys.  It is available for a separate rental fee of $25 per day to all farmers in the 5 counties we serve. 
 
The Mini-pack MVS 45 Vacuum Packing System
  • The Mini-pack MVS 45 vacuum packing system is a heavy duty, medium capacity commercial vacuum packer.
  • The MVS 45 will handle bags up to 17" x 22" and is designed for commercial operations that need a high quality vacuum packer of perishable products.
  • Ideal for meat birds.  Contact the office for more details.
Mini-Pack:
Equipment Checkout Agreement
Availability Calendar

WSDA Special Permit for slaughter, preparation, and sale of 1,000 or fewer poultry

  • New bill increase opportunities for poultry producers.
  • A special, temporary permit issued by the WSDA allows for the slaughter, preparation, and sale of one thousand or fewer poultry in a calendar year by a poultry producer for the sale of whole raw poultry directly to the ultimate consumer at the producer's farm.  Activities conducted under the permit are exempt from any other requirements of this chapter.
  • Implementation of this new bill will begin August 2009.  The fee for the new permit is currently under review by the WSDA.  It is estimated to be around $75 annually or $125 biannually.
  • Application and more information are available through the WSDA or visit www.agr.wa.gov .
 
Marketing your Pasture Raised Chickens

  • Contact the NABC for assistance in setting up a marketing strategy for your chickens. Many established producers ask customers to pre-order birds at the beginning of the season; some even ask for a deposit with each order. We can help determine the best strategy for your situation.