On-farm Poultry Processing

The Ins and Outs presented by Matt Wilkinson, Hard Cider Homestead

We are planning to hold this workshop on Saturday, 4/20 - as planned!

Course Description:

This poultry processing intensive will give would-be chicken processors an in-depth view of the poultry handling, slaughter and breakdown process. Participants will receive a brief overview of the federal Poultry Production  Inspection Act's Custom and Producer/Grower - 1,000 Limit exemptions, plus a list of New Jersey regulatory contacts that govern some aspect of on-farm poultry processing. (Note: this is a brief introduction to this topic, to be followed up with an in-depth regulatory workshop.) This will be followed by a live, full-scale processing demonstration. Attendees can register as a "Watch & Learn" attendee or a "Participating" attendee (limited to 20). "Participating" attendees will have the opportunity to enact each step or specific steps, as they choose. Successful participation in this program will make you eligible to rent Matt's Mobile Processing Unit for your farm or homestead. The following steps will be covered:
  • Pre-slaughter handling
  • Humane slaughter (stunning will be demonstrated)
  • Proper bleeding procedure
  • Scalding (submersion in hot water) and plucking (plucking machine will be used)
  • Evisceration and breakdown
  • Carcass handling
  • Workspace sanitation
Afterwards, Matt Wilkinson is offering an optional wrap-up session for attendees and you can purchase lunch, which will be made on premises in his famous earth pizza oven. Lunch includes salad and pizza and costs $15 (paid on-site, directly to Matt).

Course Details: 

When:

Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 2 PM*

*Rain date: Sunday, April 21

    

                            
Location: 

Hard Cider Homestead
171 Cider Mill Rd, Ringoes, NJ 08851

  
Registration:   

NOFA-NJ Members:  $50 - Participating
                                      $45 - Watch & Learn

Non-members:          $57 - Participating
                                      $52 - Watch & Learn

  

 
Discounts:

Register someone from the same farm/family and save $10!

Enter Discount code 2FF during checkout.

  
Cancellations:  Please visit our Cancellation Policy page for information.
  
Questions:  908-371-1111 x3 or email: jcook(at)nofanj(dot)org  

Please note: This is an active, outdoors workshop; dress in appropriate “work” attire (clean, water-proof boots or sturdy, close-toed shoes, weather-appropriate outer gear, long pants, work gloves, a clean hat or hair restraint – including long beards) and please remove all jewelry from your hands and arms. There are two registration levels for this workshop (Watch & Learn, Participating) and you should be aware that hazards exist for both levels. By attending this workshop, you will be exposed to hazards, including, but not limited to, sharp knives, water at scalding temperatures, machinery with moving parts, uneven surfaces, and live animals. It is your responsibility to follow the directives of the workshop instructor at all times, for your safety and the safety of fellow attendees.

There is a mandatory Liability Release Form that must be signed prior to the workshop. We will have copies available on-site.

Registration: Closed.