Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
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. The research willanalyze market demand and feasibility, technical feasibility and economic feasibility of poultry production and processing integration into small and mid size farm business plans.The proposed research project is expected to yield two significant outcomes that will be implemented through the IHS Farm Business Enhancement Program:• A report analyzing small and mid-size poultry farmers' sales and profitability and feasibility that can help inform decision making.• A scalable model that can be implemented by small and medium size farmers for integration and/or expansion into the poultry retail market
Animal Health Component
10%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
75%
Applied
10%
Developmental
15%
Goals / Objectives
The project will examinethe technical, economic and financial feasibility of integrating poultry processing into to small and medium size farm operations in the Delta.The project will result in areport analyzing small and mid-size poultry farmers' sales and profitability and feasibility that can help inform decision making. The project will also result in ascalable model that includes poultry production best practices that can be implemented by small and medium size farmers for integration and/or expansion into the poultry retail market.The project will yield a comprehensive analysis of market demands for niche market of locally grown poultry and market integration opportunities for broiler producers.The project also includes a marketing strategy for local broiler producers launching into a niche market.
Project Methods
The project will consist of research to analyze market demand and feasibility, technical feasibility and economic feasibility of poultry production and processing integration into small farm business plan.The research methods and activities to be deployed during the project will consist of:o Formulation of a peer review teamo Development and deployment of a survey among small and mid size farmers in the Deltao Internet based and in person interviews,o Secondary research on similar projectso industry and stakeholder coordination and data sharing,o development of a production and processing test siteo Interviews and focus groups with existing and prospective poultry producerso Assessment of market demand for local raised poultryo Review of regulatory guidelineso Data compilation and analysisAn economic analysis willcompare the benefits of pasture raised vs pen raised broiler practices. Data compilation and analysis of secondary research, testing, industry data sharing and interviews with other producers will also be conducted.A technical study will be conducted, identifying and analyzing the technical needs in poultry production and processing operations such as business location, facilities, training and the need for technology, materials, and labor.The project will include a test site for production activities to determine breeding, feeding and maintenance optimal practices mainly focusing on broiler production. Researchers will analyze and compare the benefits of pasture raised vs pen raised broiler practices.The technical review will also include an analysis of the benefits of using poultry compost from production and processing as a soil nutrient enhancement and the impacts and influences of soil Ph on poultry production. Data compilation and analysis of secondary research, production test trials, industry data sharing and interviews with other producers will also be conducted. Findings will be compiled to generate a production and processing best practice guide for retail poultry expansion. Data and findings from the technical review will also be needed to generate the economic analysis.The market studywill utilize the full market demand method taking into consideration past economic performance data, current industry conditions, rate of increase in consumption and proposed marketing efforts.