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Agricultural industry

Small-Scale Poultry Producers in Pennsylvania Need Education on USDA Exemptions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study by researchers from Pennsylvania State University highlights the need for education on USDA exemptions for small-scale poultry producers in the state. To effectively educate these producers, it is essential to understand the size and scope of USDA-exempt poultry processing in Pennsylvania. The study aimed to gather data from the state's 10 most poultry-dense regions to inform future extension programming.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified the top 10 counties with the highest meat bird densities in Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, Snyder, Juniata, Union, Schuylkill, York, Perry, and Franklin.
  • A seven-question anonymous survey was developed to identify the location of growers, the nature of their processing operations, and the relevant exemption categories.
  • The survey found that 72.6% of respondents processed on-farm using personal equipment, and broilers were the most common species raised.
  • Nearly half of the respondents raised multiple species, and 47.0% selected the "Personal Use" exemption category.
  • However, many producers were unsure of their correct exemption category, and 59.7% lacked a written biosecurity plan.
  • The study concluded that future extension efforts should expand beyond poultry-dense counties and reassess their potential risks to the commercial industry.

Statistics:

  • 72.6% of respondents processed on-farm using personal equipment.
  • 47.0% of respondents selected the "Personal Use" exemption category.
  • 59.7% of respondents lacked a written biosecurity plan.
  • 10 counties were identified as having the highest meat bird densities.
  • 7-question anonymous survey was developed to gather data from small-scale poultry producers.

Sources:

  • Applied Research Note: Determining the Size and Scope of Usda-exempted Poultry Processing In Pennsylvania. Journal of Applied Poultry Research, 2025;34(3).
  • NewsRx. Reports Summarize Poultry Farming Findings from Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) (Applied Research Note: Determining the Size and Scope of Usda-exempted Poultry Processing In Pennsylvania). Agriculture Week. September 4, 2025; p 264.

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