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OBJECTIVE A-1 ANIMAL AGRICULTURE (POULTRY)Poultry producers will implement practices or enterprises that will achieveindividual and family goals related to profitability and quality of life.

James Cochran, Area Specialized Poultry Agent(Robeson, Columbus, Cumberland, Bladen, Hoke)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONPoultry production is not drastically different in Robeson, Cumberland,

Bladen, Hoke and Columbus counties. The audiences to be addressed includecommercial contract poultry growers and small backyard home flocks. To alesser but cooperative degree, are the interests of the commercial poultrycompany employees.

Farm diversification has led to a second wave of new poultry houseconstruction at a slower but steady pace since the first commercial poultryhouses were built in the early 1990s. This expansion will continue for a couplemore years. At the same time, 10-year veterans of commercial poultry

production find themselves with diminishing loan amounts but faced with poultryhouse renovations and equipment upgrades to remain competitive. Imposingregulations affect all commercial farms with added expenses in handling poultrywaste.

Of growing concern is how small flocks may influence commercial poultryproduction particularly pertaining to diseases. Adding to this concern is theincrease of the Hispanic population in these same commercial poultry productionareas and with it the popularity of transporting individual small flock birds to andfrom other parts of the United States and from South America.

A very multidisciplinary approach is warranted to address the issue drivenproblems related to economic commercial poultry production and the inter-

relationship with small flocks and poultry companies. Cooperating andcoordinating Extension program delivery with the expertise and resources ofprivate companies, other government agencies and agricultural organizationsenhances the decision-making information that poultry producers receive.

SITUATION STATEMENTThere are 45 plus commercial poultry farm sites in Robeson County

producing 20 million broilers and 1 million turkeys each year. This productionhas a value of over $50 million. Payments directly to contracting growers areover $5 million with an economic impact turnover estimation of over $15 million.

Diversification into contract poultry production for many producers was toprovide additional farm income. Aging houses, changing company guidelinesand increasing regulations with regard to poultry waste utilization creates addedexpenses to growers without additional compensation. Major advances inproduction efficiency as experienced the last several decades in poultryproduction are unlikely for the future, so controlling these added expenses arekey to these enterprises remaining economically viable.

Future opportunities and challenges lie in identifying economicalalternatives to land application of poultry litter on most currently used fields dueto limiting phosphorous regulations. Newly appropriated USDA/NRCS EQUIPmoney in 2003 will help offset some incurred expenses associated with newregulations, but also come with mandated management practices.

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Small poultry flocks play a critical role in limiting poultry diseases and thepotentially crippling economic effects experienced in other states.

TARGET AUDIENCES

Employees of commercial poultry production companiesCommercial contract poultry growersEmployees of litter clean-out companiesNon-poultry farmers utilizing poultry litter wasteGovernment agencies: NRCS/SWCD, DENR/DWQ, NCDA&CSRobeson County Health DepartmentOther private companies: feed stores, lenders, and equipment suppliersAgricultural organizations: Farm Bureau, NC Poultry FederationSmall backyard flock owners including Mexican immigrantsGovernment leaders/elected officials

TEACHING POINTS

Production practices and systems related to litter issues

Availability of suitable insuranceDependable electrical serviceWater qualityEquipment maintenancePest management (rodent, insects, diseases, etc.)Compliance with regulationsAlternatives to land application of litterCritical and proper information acquisition for decision makingInformation technology useFarm disaster preparedness (hurricane, disease, mass burial)

PROGRAM DELIVERY STRATEGIESOne-on-one contactsGroup meetings (often company grower routes)Tours and field daysResearch trial results and demonstrationsMass mediaDirect mailings and emailExtension publications and bulletinsNotebooksVideosInternet and HomepagesE-mailNetworking with agribusinesses, agencies and organizationsSpecialized Advisory CommitteesPostersExhibitsDistance education (due to disease contact and transmission concerns)

EVALUATION STRATEGIES

Review existing recordsReview NCDA testing services resultsDocumentation of NRCS cost share participation

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Observations.Feedback from Specialized Advisory CommitteeFeedback from Extension personnel (Specialists and Agents)Feedback from farmers and agribusinessmenFeedback from companies and company representativesSurveysPre and Post program testing.

PROGRAMMING RESOURCES

Cooperative Extension SpecialistsOther County Extension AgentsCommercial Poultry company resource peopleGovernment agencies: NRCS/SWCD; DENR/DWQ; NCDA&CSRobeson County Health DepartmentExtension publications and bulletinsIntranet and InternetWaste Applicator Notebook

North Carolina Agricultural Chemical ManualVideosCommodity ConferencesEquipment and services suppliersAgricultural organizations: Farm Bureau, Livestock Association