Project Overview
FNE07-604
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2007: $7,861.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2007
Region: Northeast
State: Connecticut
Project Leader:
Commodities
- Additional Plants: native plants
- Animals: poultry
Practices
- Animal Production: housing, free-range, feed rations, pasture fertility, grazing - rotational
- Education and Training: on-farm/ranch research
- Farm Business Management: agricultural finance
- Production Systems: agroecosystems
- Sustainable Communities: urban/rural integration, analysis of personal/family life
Proposal summary:
Small farmers have found growing markets for high-quality pasture-raised poultry, and consumers have embraced a slow growing European-style broiler. Access to this bird has recently been made easier with the introduction of a new hatchery raising it, but this type of bird does have a slower grow-out time and poorer feed conversion than standard breeds. This study will evaluate the cost-effectiveness of raising the European-style bird in three housing systems to determine if it’s financially feasible for poultry producers to raise it. Outreach will be through a web site, articles, and an open house.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.