Submitted by Christopher Petty

You may have heard that Tyson Foods has had an interest in constructing a processing plant in Kansas. While there are no immediate plans to do so, it may be a possibility in the future. Farmers within an approximate 60 mile radius of the processing facility may be able to become contract poultry growers.

To learn what it might be like to be a contract poultry grower, plan to attend a poultry grower meeting on Thursday, January 18, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Thayer Senior Center in Thayer, Kan. This program is hosted by the Southwind Extension District of K-State Research and Extension and the Allen and Neosho County Farm Bureaus. The program will feature K-State Research and Extension Poultry Specialist Dr. Scott Beyer. Dr. Beyer will be on hand to discuss a variety of topics such as a typical day in the poultry production, contracts, rules and regulations, management and facilities.

Space is limited, so please call the Southwind Extension District Erie Office at 620-244-3826 to register. For additional information, contact Southwind Extension District Agent for Livestock Production and Forage Management, Christopher Petty by e-mail at [email protected].