Poultry people needed for a special project!

Last year the Grand Forks and Boundary Agriculture Society started a special pilot project growing small lots of meat chickens for the local market. This small expieriment turned out to be an overwhelming success!

This year we are looking for more people to join us in growing small lots of chickens for the local market. From results last year we know there is demand for this product. We know, small lots can be viable and profitable. We know, there is demand for year round production. Many months after the end of this project we still receive requests for meat chickens. Even without a major marketing campaign the poultry sold out quickly.

This year we will be advertising the availablity of "Locally Produced Chicken" and know demand will be high. Last years producers have waiting lists from last season and still receive enquiries about the continuation of the project this year. We do not anticipate any problems selling out quickly again this year and building a larger customer base for next.

We have booked the mobile abattior that was here last year to come again to our region. She is scheduled to be here June1-6 and again in Sept. Last year was a test run and the farmers that joined together to order birds,feed and supplies had a great experience and where actually very profitable. By buying as a group they saved money on supplies and local consumers where able to enjoy farm fresh chicken. Which they are eagerly awaiting this year.

Anyone interested producers click here, ask questions and get more information.

There is also a need to be able to grow our own feed in our region . We need to determine what is the best mix to feed these guys as they need a high protien diet. By doing this we provide the freshest and best local feed, support local agriculture, and help keep money and jobs in the community.

There has also been discussion about breeding and promoting our own line of locally produced meat chicks, tentatively referred to as the "Kootenay Ranger" Developing a strong, and viable free ranging meat bird, that can forage will help reduce production costs in the future. Initial breeding stock has been sourced out and will likely be imported this coming spring.

Producers working together with the Agriculture Society are making these projects viable and sustainable for our future. Join the Agriculture Society to get involved in creating a strong future for this region.