Poultry Processing Training and Resources

Poultry Processing Online Training 

New Entry now offers an online self-study course covering the regulations and food safety requirements for on-farm poultry processing in Massachusetts. The course is particularly designed for small-scale poultry farmers or anyone else interested in applying for a Massachusetts Department of Public Health to legally process poultry using a mobile poultry processing unit (MPPU) or their own on-farm facility. If you are interested in exploring the course free of charge, please contact Jennifer Hashley (jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu). 

Poultry Processing Hands-on Training

New Entry facilitates connections to hands-on poultry processing training for farmers seeking to become licensed by MDPH to use New Entry's Mobile Poultry Processing Unit (MPPU) for on-farm poultry processing in Massachusetts.  If you are preparing to seek approval to use the MPPU, you will be required to attend an equipment operations and poultry processing training prior to scheduling use of the Unit.  You must also have, or be in the process of acquiring, approval and licensure from the Mass Department of Public Health to process birds on your farm using the MPPU.  For more information, please contact Jennifer Hashley at jennifer.hashley@tufts.edu.

 

Poultry Processing Resources

Building an On-farm Poultry Processing Facility

Media:

  • Digital Download

We've learned a lot over the last few years while planning, building, operating, repairing, and managing a mobile poultry processing unit. Drawing on our own experiences and those of other poultry processing projects around the country, we put together this comprehensive guide to planning and constructing an MPPU or stationary facility for on-farm poultry processing.

The guide incorporates tips and lessons learned, case studies and example plans, and lots guidance for anyone thinking about building their own MPPU or other on-farm poultry processing facility, including:

  • Choosing a facility type
  • Selecting equipment
  • Designing a floor plan

For questions about the guide, please contact the New Entry office at 978-654-6745.

Handbook for Small-Scale Poultry Producer-Processors

Media:

  • Digital Download

New Entry prepared a Handbook for Small-Scale Poultry Producer-Processors that describes how to apply for licensure to process poultry using a Massachusetts-inspected MPPU. Producers are encouraged to use the guide to understand basic requirements for MPPU use and licensure. The guide contains:

  • Overview of Massachusetts regulations regarding poultry processing
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
  • Step-by-Step guidance on completing the Mass Slaughter License application
  • What to expect after completing the application
  • Regulatory Resources

For questions or clarification about the Handbook, or for technical assistance in completing your local and state approvals for MPPU use, please contact the New Entry office at 978-654-6745.

 

Mobile Poultry Processing Unit Farm & Food Safety Management Guide

Media:

  • Digital Download

A guide for small-scale poultry producers and processors using a Massachusetts-inspected mobile poultry processing unit (MPPU) or stationary on-farm facility. The guide was created by New Entry in partnership with the New England Small Farm Institute with input from Massachusetts state agencies, outlining the food safety and recordkeeping practices required of small-scale poultry processors operating under a slaughter license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, including:

  • On-farm processing safe food handling plan
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
  • Standard Operating and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs and SSOPs)
  • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) Plan
  • Sample Daily Use Report Logs for Massachusetts poultry processors

For questions or clarification about the Handbook, or for technical assistance in completing your local and state approvals for MPPU use, please contact the New Entry office at 978-654-6745.

On-Farm Poultry Processing: Preparation and Sanitation

Media:

  • Video

On-Farm Poultry Processing Series (Part 1 of 3). Created for small poultry producers interested in processing their own birds using a mobile or stationary on-farm processing facility. This segment focuses on the preparation, sanitation, and supplies needed for food-safe processing. Created by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, with support from USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE).

For additional poultry processing resources and guides, visit:
nesfp.nutrition.tufts.edu/training/poultryresources.html

For poultry processing training opportunities in Massachusetts, visit: nesfp.nutrition.tufts.edu/training/mobilepoultrytraining.html