Risk 1 — Legal Liability and Steep Federal Fines Federal violations carry fines from USD 1,000 to USD 175,000 per violation. FSIS has ramped up enforcement actions by 23% since 2025, now targeting smaller operations. Risk 2 — Inability to Sell Beyond Direct Farm Sales Non-compliant facilities lock you into the smallest possible market. Restaurants […]
USDA
USDA Inspection vs State Inspection vs Custom Exempt: What Every Farmer Needs to Know in 2026
When you’re raising poultry, one decision towers above all others: how you process your birds. This choice determines where you can sell, what prices you’ll get, and how far your operation can grow. Four processing pathways exist in 2026, each opening different doors while closing others. Understanding these options now saves you from costly mistakes […]