MARYLAND POULTRY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Animal Science
Jennifer Timmons
Agent & Regional Extension Specialist, Poultry
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION
SALISBURY
Abstract
Approximately 40% of Maryland’s cash farm income comes from broiler production. Additionally, there are over 2,000 small flocks registered in Maryland. The University of Maryland Extension (UME) has developed educational programs to educate small flock and commercial poultry growers. Over 150 small flock growers participated in a small flock workshop which focused on biosecurity and avian diseases. A workshop manual and extension bulletin were developed which provided management information for participants. A fact sheet, providing guidance for Maryland’s poultry slaughter requirements, was also developed. Additionally, a small flock biosecurity resource website (www.healthybirds.umd.edu) is an additional resource for small flock growers. A workshop series for commercial poultry growers included topics such as energy efficiency, environmental regulations, diseases, and manure handling. Several publications have also been developed. Some of these publications are Broiler Production Management for Potential and Existing Growers and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Guidelines. A Poultry Farm Management Training & Certification course was developed as part of EPA’s New Source Performance Standards for CAFOs. This course includes topics such as best management practices (BMPs), mortality and manure handling, regulation compliance, and more. Another program, with translations for Vietnamese and Korean poultry producers, to address critical environmental topics such as CAFOs and BMP installation was also developed. A website (www.mdchick.umd.edu) is also a valuable resource for commercial poultry growers. UME poultry programs provide farm families with educational resources to assist with management decisions as they continue to maintain, and operate economically viable and environmentally responsible poultry operations.
Authors: Timmons, J.R., Rhodes, J.L., Nottingham, J.R.
-
Timmons, J.R. Extension Specialist, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21801
-
Rhodes, J.L. Extension Educator, Queen Anne's County, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21617
-
Nottingham, J.R. Extension Educator, Somerset County, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland, 21853