Plumpton College for Sustainable Food, Farming and Forestry are offering a number of courses in table poultry that would be useful to the small poultry producer, farmer or smallholder wanting to learn new skills.

Start from the day old chick through to oven ready. These courses will cover all the practical requirements and relevant legislation processing encompass the practical exam to become licensed and registered with the Meat Hygiene Service to humanely slaughter poultry, either using electrical stunning equipment or by Captive Bolt Gun.

Rearing Table Birds

A half day course covering chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys from day old chicks through to slaughter. Tutor Sarah Blackford, has 25 years experience of poultry farming and will provide a practical, informative session. She is also a registered inspector of organic food and farming systems and can answer technical questions on organic standards.

Poultry Processing

Visit the processing plant on a local poultry farm and gain practical experience in all aspects from live birds to oven ready. This will cover the legislation and HACCP (Hazard requirements for on farm poultry processing operations).

Poultry Slaughter Stunning Licence

The Humane Slaughter Association will run a full day practical course in poultry slaughter. The HSA is a registered charity which specialises exclusively in the welfare of food animals. A veterinary surgeon will be present while participants train and carry out the slaughter techniques and will also be present for the exam. Successful candidates will be issued with licence to slaughter by the Meat Hygiene Service.

Courses are run approximately every month and/or as demand dictates. All participants receive a Plumpton College certificate. The courses take place at an on-farm cutting room linked to Plumpton College at Netherfield, Ivyland Farm near Battle in East Sussex.

New RDPE Grant funding available, subject to certain criteria. Commencement date to be confirmed.

For further information on dates and costs:

Telephone: 01580 879547 or Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.