On-farm poultry freezer technology now available on Delmarva

Poultry growers in other regions of the country have been using on-farm freezer collection units for more than 20 years, and now the practice is positioned for widespread adoption on the Delmarva Peninsula. Federal and state nutrient management agencies in Delaware and Virginia recently designated freezer units as a best management practice that is eligible for cost-share funding.

In fact, the first group of farms approved for financial assistance are being notified this month by the Delaware Office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding is provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

“We continue to expand nutrient management options for the landowners and operators in the state as they become available through the latest approved scientific methodologies,” said Kasey L. Taylor, NRCS state conservationist. “We look forward to ensuring Delaware producers are able to address their resource concerns in the most effective way possible through innovative conservation practices.”

On-farm freezer units are an approved nutrient management practice in all three states, but financial assistance is only available for growers in Delaware and Virginia at this time.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is currently considering adding freezer units to its cost-share program, so Maryland growers who would like to contact their legislators and sign a petition may go to www.greener-solutions-llc.com.

The system is simple. Routine mortality is placed inside a specially designed collection unit available for purchase from local agricultural equipment retailers. A customized collection vehicle arrives during layout to empty the units. Routine maintenance of the unit is provided as part of the collection service offered by Greener Solutions, the company that introduced this new option to the peninsula.

Growers have been able to greatly reduce the time and money they previously spent on composting, realizing thousands of dollars a year in operational savings.

“For us, it’s a great management tool,” said Brent Willin of State Line Farms near Seaford. “The guys can pick up the birds, open the lid and throw them in. The last time we touch the birds is when they drop into that freezer. It's a really nice process.”

Another benefit of freezer collection units is better biosecurity. By using sealed containers that lock in pathogens and lock out scavengers and flies, growers can reduce their risk of loss.

Non-monetary benefits include the elimination of the smells, flies and scavengers associated with composting, so the grower and neighbors enjoy a greatly improved quality of life.

“Bottom line - we want more freezers [for our other two farms] … it’s really worked out for us,” said Willin, who recently shared his experience during a presentation at Delaware Ag Week. To view the presentation, go to www.greener-solutions-llc.com/how-it-works/.

For more information about Green Solutions, go to www.greener-solutions-llc.com.