Raising meat birds on pasture

BELVIDERE – Why do so many new farmers get their start in livestock production by raising pastured poultry for meat? Demand is high, the production cycle is relatively short, the facilities are minimal, and the total capital investment is comparatively small.

However, there are still numerous management and marketing considerations essential to a profitable pastured poultry enterprise.

Join University of Illinois Extension Local Foods and Small Farms Educator, Andy Larson, for an informative workshop where aspiring meat bird producers will learn about; selecting and brooding the best meat breeds, facilities and equipment necessary for pastured production, balanced nutrition for feeding and finishing, and poultry processing and the on-farm exemption.

Raising Meat Birds on Pasture will be held on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Boone County Extension Meeting Room located at 205 Cadillac Ct., Suite 5 in Belvidere.

The fee is $10 per person. Registration can be done by calling the Boone County Extension office at (815) 544-3710 or online at web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 28.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Extension office.