Plumpton College at Netherfield Centre for Sustainable Food and Farming are offering a three day course in table poultry. From day old chicks to oven ready, they cover all the practical requirements and relevant legislation surrounding production and processing of table birds.

The courses are Rearing Table Birds, Poultry Processing and the Practical Poultry Slaughter Stunning Licence. Courses may be taken individually or as a series over 3 days and are ideal for the poultry keeper wanting to raise some table birds for themselves or to sell at the farm gate or local farmers market.

The next series of courses start on 13th September 2010 and they are offered as individual courses in their own right but are being run on consecutive days, for those wanting cover all aspects.

Rearing Table Birds

18th September 2010: 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 will provide a practical, informative session. She is also a registered inspector of organic food and farming systems and can answer technical questions on the organic standards.

Poultry Processing

19th October or 16th November 2010: 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 Analysis and Critical Control Points) requirements for on farm poultry processing operations.

Practical Poultry Slaughter Stunning Licence

17th November 2010: 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. For organic farmers, it is a requirement under the standards, that they should be licensed to slaughter their poultry in this way.

For further information please contact:
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Plumpton College at Netherfield

Centre for Sustainable Food and Farming

Netherfield

Battle

East Sussex TN33 9PY

Telephone 01424 775615