Progress 08/01/23 to 07/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:The project focuses on Mississippi Delta small and midsize minority farmer intergration and expansion into the poultry industry. The project will develop an economic analysis and feasibility study on small and mid size broiler production and processing costs for retail market sales.The project proposes research resulting in enhanced small and medium size farm business efficiency and sustainability model supporting the integration of poultry production and processing for retail markets in the Delta. The model will consist of resources to mitigate barriers such as lack of information and educational resources, scalability, economic viability and market access. Changes/Problems:The project model including the a scalable model that included a mobile processing facility in the form of a trailer. Due to permitting requirements for waste water disposal and other reporting for approval for each farm site location where processing owuld take place, the mobile model was determined to be the least efficient and most difficult and costly to replicate among small farmers. Mobile units are no longer considered as a part of the model. The project included procurement of processing equipment that will be used for testing, research andfuture training and demonstrations. The cost of processing equipment has increased significantly since the project was funded making affordable equipment difficult to obtain. The project team is exploring other options for obtaining the equipment as it is intricate to the project. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The economic feasibility study will be completed during the second year of the project term. The production trials anddata collection and anaysis for the technical element fo the study will also be concluded. The project teams plans to identify and procure processing equipment that is feasible for small scale processing. The projet teams also aims to have a draft of the design plans for distribution ofwastewater and solid water for farm land application. The market demand research will be in final draft stage by the end of the second project year,

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Obj. 1 Determinethe economic feasibility of a poultry production and processing among small farmers in the Delta University of Georgia economic feasibility study research and analysis activities have commenced. IHS and UGA has held four coordination meeting to discuss data collection process and initiate data collection. Data collection on production costs and best practices has begun through trial on our demonstration farms. IHS has researched small scale commercial processing resources such as mobile processing units, small scale processing equipment and wastewater treatment and water quality treatment options for small and medium scale farmers. Research activities looking at the potential revenue generation based on various volumes is being explored to help understand economic feasibility of a small-scale processing facility. Obj: 2 Explore climate smart poultry production and processing practices that reduce environmental and health risks and/or enhance our environment IHS has interviewed engineering firms to discuss development the design of wastewater disposal system using for aerial application or waste water to agricultural land. The project partners are also exploring costs and revenue generated from the sell and application of poultry solid waste "compost soup" as fertilizer. Obj. 3 Determine technical needs and feasibility of producing and processing locally grown poultry (broilers) among small and medium-sized farmers in the Delta mobile poultry processing unit vs a fixed structure for a scalable processing option During the project term, identified three small farms in the Delta to serve as demonstration sites. The demonstrationsites were used as test sites for producing commercial grade backyard broilers for retail consumer consumption. The test sites would collect production data on inputs and practices for a how to guide. The projectsprovide four 300 sq foot production housing that met minimum standards to create optimal growing conditions. Test batches of broilers were also provided. Through the demonstration sites, the data needed on housing conditions and production costs have been generated and recorded. The information has also been shared with our research partner UGA, for inclusion in the technical analysis. Obj. 4 Research Market Demand and Market Entry Strategy IHS and UGA have conducted initial outreach and gathered data to gauge potential markets that are willing to source from small scale producers. Data has also been collected on surrounding broiler production integrators in the Delta that pay for processing outside the area as additional revenue stream for the processing facilities.

Publications