Introduction:
Bringing your poultry to Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter LLC is a crucial step in ensuring that your birds are processed safely and efficiently. To help you prepare for this process, we've compiled a comprehensive guide that covers everything from preparing your poultry for transportation, delivery, and the essential pick-up process. Let's dive into the details to ensure a successful poultry processing experience from start to finish.
Removing Feed:
Feed should be removed 12-18 hours before bringing the birds to the processing and slaughter facility, or between 12 pm - 6 pm the day before your slaughter appointment.
This step is crucial to avoid complications during slaughter, as failure to remove feed can lead to slower and dirtier processing, resulting in more condemned birds and an additional fee.
Steadfast Farms will charge 30% of the total order fee if evidence of feed in the bird's crop is found.
Pro Tip:
You will receive email reminders the day before your slaughter appointment to help you remember this critical step.
Transportation to Steadfast:
Chicken:
The preferred method of transportation for chickens is stacking them in clean, stackable poultry crates placed on pallets.
Ensure that all crates are clean to avoid rejection by the USDA Inspector.
If you don't have poultry crates, you can rent them from us for $7 per crate, including crate sanitation.
Chickens must be packed in crates, with no more than 8 birds per crate, ensuring humane treatment and ease of handling.
Pro Tip:
Mark your transport crates with your farm's name or another distinct marking to avoid confusion. (SPPS is not responsible for unmarked crates)
Turkey and Ducks:
Transport turkeys and ducks in trailers or larger crates suitable for their size.
If unsure about transportation, contact Steadfast Farms for guidance
(860) 302-7847
We don't currently rent Turkey or Duck Crates.
Pro Tip:
Proper ventilation and adequate space for birds during transportation are crucial.
Cold & Inclement Weather:
Consider delivering in a stock trailer or enclosed truck with ventilation to prevent the chilling of live birds.
Hot Weather + Ventilation:
Ensure adequate ventilation in hot weather to prevent unfortunate events.
Pro Tip:
A row of empty crates below and above your birds helps break the wind and provide more ventilation.
Delivery Time:
Poultry should be delivered at 6 a.m. on the day of the scheduled and confirmed slaughter appointment.
Upon arrival, a staff member will meet you at the beginning of the driveway at the Bio-Security Line.
Biosecurity protocols are essential to protect your flock and ours, so please wait for staff instructions before entering the property.
Pro Tip:
You will receive email and text reminders the day before and the morning of delivery to keep you on track.
Flocks delivered after 7 a.m. will be charged a late fee of $3 per bird, or a minimum of $250 plus any overtime charges from the USDA for that day's slaughter.
Please note that there is no customer waiting area on-site.
Once you hand over your flock to our staff, we'll see you at your designated pick-up time specified on your intake form.
Pick-Up:
The day of pick-up for your order will either coincide with your Slaughter Appointment or occur on the following day (Next Day Pickup), depending on the options presented during the intake process.
It is imperative to note that the pick-up window is strictly from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Any delay in the pick-up may result in a LATE PICK-UP FEE of $20 per bird per day.
Please bear in mind that our staff will not be available to assist you outside of the designated pick-up window, and additional fees will apply.
Important Notes:
We are not liable for your transportation needs.
You must provide clean, temperature-maintained transport for your product.
Your products will be in our company coolers/freezers, ready for transfer to your coolers.
All poultry must be picked up and transported to maintain 40 degrees F or lower. Failure to do so may result in late pick-up fees, future booking cancellations, or refusals.
Pro Tip:
You can purchase ice at Steadfast for $5 per 10 lb bag, but it's helpful to notify us in advance if you plan on buying ice to help us manage our stocks efficiently.
Conclusion:
Properly preparing your poultry for slaughter at Steadfast Farms is essential for a smooth and efficient processing experience.
We look forward to seeing you on slaughter and processing day and are here to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. Following these guidelines ensures the health and well-being of your birds and helps us maintain the highest standards of biosecurity.
We look forward to assisting you in processing your poultry, and if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for choosing Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter LLC for your poultry processing needs.
Aaron McCool
Director of Operations
Business Consultant
Rising Tides Consultants
Steadfast Farms Poultry Processing & Slaughter LLC
860-302-8747 Steadfast Farms Business Line
