Foundations of Poultry Processing

Digital Badge 10.00 Online

Course Description

Welcome to Foundations of Poultry Processing! This self-paced online course is designed for Maine farmers and small-scale producers who want to process and sell poultry under Maine's 1,000 Bird Exemption.

Through practical lessons, demonstrations, and real-world examples, learners explore the full poultry-processing process, from selecting healthy birds and preparing for humane handling to sanitation, processing, chilling, packaging, labeling, and waste management.

The course also helps learners understand state requirements, recordkeeping, and the business decisions involved in selling poultry products directly to customers.

Participants will build the knowledge needed to plan a safe, organized, and responsible poultry-processing operation. The course emphasizes animal welfare, food safety, regulatory compliance, and practices that help protect customers, farms, and Maine's local food system.

Course Format:
 This self-paced online course includes instructional videos, demonstrations, interactive activities, practical examples, knowledge checks, and assessments. All course materials are delivered online through Brightspace. 

 The course includes one optional video that shows poultry slaughter for instructional purposes. Learners receive a clear warning before the video and may skip it without affecting their final grade.

Earn a Digital Badge!
 Upon successful completion, learners will earn the Foundations of Poultry Processing Micro-Badge, a verified digital credential issued by UMaine Cooperative Extension. 

 This badge recognizes the learner's foundational knowledge of humane poultry handling, food safety, processing practices, Maine requirements, and small-scale poultry-enterprise planning. 

 You can share this digital badge on LinkedIn, resumes, portfolios, and professional websites to demonstrate your commitment to safe, responsible poultry processing.

Promo Video:
Watch the Foundations of Poultry Processing Promo Video

What You Will Learn

Maine's 1,000 Bird Exemption: Understand the requirements, responsibilities, and sales limits that apply when processing and selling poultry in Maine.
Bird Selection and Animal Welfare: Identify healthy birds for processing and understand how humane handling and preparation support bird welfare and product quality.
Facility, Equipment, and Sanitation: Plan a clean, organized processing space and learn how equipment, potable water, sanitation, and workflow help prevent contamination.
Poultry Processing Practices: Explore the key steps of poultry processing, including slaughter, scalding, plucking, evisceration, chilling, and safe handling.
Packaging, Labeling, and Recordkeeping: Learn how to package, label, store, and track poultry products to support food safety, compliance, and traceability.
Waste Management: Understand responsible ways to manage wastewater and offal while protecting your farm and the surrounding environment.
Business Planning and Ongoing Compliance: Use information about costs, markets, customers, and records to make informed decisions about a poultry enterprise.

Benefits of the Course

Build a strong foundation for planning or improving a small-scale poultry-processing operation.

Develop the knowledge needed to make thoughtful decisions about animal welfare, food safety, and Maine requirements.

Learn practical approaches to protect your customers, strengthen consumer confidence, and support your farm business.

Course Fee:
 $10: This course was made possible through funding from the Maine Legislature. The small course fee covers some administrative costs.

Price: $10.00

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