Poultry production is very important to Cullman County. Our poultry industry is extremely concerned with the bio-security of the industry. At the same time, we have seen a greatly increased interest in Backyard Poultry and Egg production. The Cullman County Extension office and the North Alabama Agriplex are teaming up to conduct a practical poultry meeting that will try to balance the need for bio-security of these backyard flocks and the practical aspects of raising healthy birds.

Chickens are an easy way to produce your own meat and eggs. When I grew up almost everyone had a few chickens for both egg and meat production. As large scale poultry production, such as what we are known for in this area, increased many people stopped raising their own chickens. Back in those days we did not think much about bird health or bio-security but now it is very important that backyard poultry producers understand these issues and are good neighbors to the commercial poultry producers all over our county that rely on this industry to make a living.

The Agriplex director, Rachel Dawsey will be sharing practical aspects of poultry care and egg production from her years of experience keeping her own chickens. In addition, Landon Marks, Regional Extension Agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will discuss bird health and bio-security. Our goal is to provide the beginner with enough information to have both a safe and enjoyable experience raising their own poultry.

The “Backyard Chicken” program will be held on July 16 at 6 p.m. at the North Alabama Agriplex. You will need to pre-register and pay the $5 registration fee by going online to agriplex.org and following the online registration instructions. If that is not an option for you call them at 256-297-1044 for details on how to register in person.

Tony A. Glover is the Extension Coordinator for Cullman County