Northeast Mobile Poultry Processing Unit
Extension Education
Brandon Pike
Jackson
Abstract
As backyard poultry flocks steadily increase across the 22 counties of North Carolina’s Northeast District, small-scale farmers face a significant barrier: a complete lack of local commercial processing facilities. Relying on out-of-region mobile units is inefficient due to long travel distances and high demand, while purchasing individual processing equipment remains cost-prohibitive for most independent producers. To bridge this critical infrastructure gap, Northeast Livestock Agents and the Northeast Small Farms Agent partnered to create a localized, shared-use mobile processing trailer. Supported by equipment funding from NC A&T University and an Ag Ventures Grant for the trailer and essential supplies, the project provides a highly accessible community solution. The fully equipped unit is centrally housed in Perquimans County and available to producers for a nominal $50 fee per three-day rental. To guarantee safe and sanitary operations, extension agents led comprehensive training sessions on proper equipment usage. The initiative has driven immediate economic benefits. In its first two years of operation (as of March 2026), the trailer has enabled 23 different farmers to process a total of 1,521 birds. By circumventing standard commercial processing costs of approximately $5.00 per bird, the program has already saved local producers over $7,600.Ultimately, the mobile trailer serves as a sustainable, cost-effective processing solution for the Northeast District. As local awareness grows, rental demand is steadily rising. To further expand its reach and support more producers, the unit is being actively showcased at regional agricultural events, including the Wilson County Ag Fair and Halifax Harvest Days.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Brandon Pike
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Pike, B. Livestock and Field Crops Agent, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Northampton & Halifax Counties, North Carolina, 27845