11.17.2020
Atlanta Poultry Processing
If you haven't already read the first 2 installments of our Special Edition in relation to processing: "The Elephant in the Room" and "Lay of the Land" please check them out first. Alright lets jump right in!
Here at Grateful Pastures Farm our mission has always been to change how humans raise chickens, for the better. Over the last 5+ years, we've done so in the microcosm that is our own farm. Now we have the opportunity to take the first big step in extending that mission past our farm.

In Spring 2021, together with Beth Johnson of Red Barn Deer Processing, we will be launching the first USDA inspected poultry processing facility in Georgia that is open to independent farmers.

Atlanta Poultry Processing will soon become a beacon of light for independent poultry growers in the Southeast. Our mission is supporting the growth of the pastured poultry industry in our region, thus increasing the availability of locally produced high quality meats.

There are two main obstacles to launching a successful poultry processing plant:
  1. Operating a processing facility is difficult and requires experience. Managing labor, operating specialized equipment, coordinating with the USDA, and delivering superior quality in the finished product are all very detailed and precise tasks. Luckily, our partner Beth Johnson brings 32 years of meat packaging experience to the table.
  2. Processing facilities are expensive to build. Even after accounting for the building itself, much specialized equipment is required. Here's a short list for the sake of illustration: walk-in cooler, walk-in freezer, scalder, plucker, custom rack system, weighing and label printing system, vacuum sealers, meat grinder.

It is with the second obstacle above that we are humbly asking for your help. We have the building to operate in, but we need to purchase the specialized equipment. Please support the growth of the pastured poultry industry in our region by heading over to the Atlanta Poultry Processing Go Fund Me page and making a donation.

With your generous support, we will make the Southeast a great place to raise pastured poultry, and take one more step in revolutionizing the poultry industry!