Kentucky Poultry Extension - small flocks

New University of Kentucky Factsheet - Commercial feeds in Kentucky https://publications.mgcafe.uky.edu/rb-357
Kentucky’s commercial feed law (KRS 250.491-250.631) dates from 1906 and was last revised in 1996. This feed law provides protection for the state’s livestock, poultry, and pet owners by regulating all feed materials offered for sale or for mixing into a feed. Products falling under regulation include all types of pet foods, livestock minerals, complete animal and poultry feeds, protein or mineral blocks, supplements, feed ingredients, specialty materials such as drug premixes, vitamin and mineral supplements, liquid feeds, pet supplements, pet treats, and other specialized pet foods. The law does provide for exemptions for whole and unprocessed grain, raw meat, hay, straw, stover, silage, cobs, husks, and hulls when not processed.

Commercial Feeds in Kentucky, 2025 | Extension Publications Commercial Feeds in Kentucky, 2025 RB-357 Commercial Feeds in Kentucky, 2025 Authored by: Glen Harrison Click the Download button below to download this publication (RB-357). Download Publication Abstract Kentucky’s commercial feed law (KRS 250.491-250.631) dates from 1906 and was last revised in ...

That time of year again - Human salmonellosis cases traced back to backyard poultry flocks - please practice good personal safety when working with any type of poultry.

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/saintpaul-04-26/index.html

Public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella illnesses linked to contact with backyard poultry. Any backyard poultry can carry Salmonella germs that can make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your flock.

There have been 34 cases so far, in 13 states (with three cases in Kentucky). There have been 13 hospitalizations.
The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

Range from

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Backyard Poultry Information about multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 20, 2026) – Kentucky Proud®, the official marketing program of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, is offering a one-day workshop for Kentucky producers to help them develop a plan to market agricultural products to a wider audience. Kentucky Proud is hosting the Retail Readiness workshop in partnership with the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) and the University of Kentucky’s MarketReady Producer Training Program.

“This one-day workshop for Kentucky agriculture producers is invaluable,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Creating pathways to help Kentucky producers develop a plan for a larger share of the market benefits the producer and our state because agriculture is economic development.”

The workshop, set for 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. EST March 31 in Lexington, will provide an overview of marketing trends and funding opportunities, peer-to-peer panels, discussions, product reviews, and advice from a variety of local retailers as well as hands-on workshops for marketing planning.

The workshop was developed with the emerging producer in mind, including those who have success in direct sales and are considering a move into retail sales or wholesale opportunities.

Attendees can hear from other agricultural producers who are successfully selling in the retail space and support their products with marketing plans. Attendees will learn from the retail community and discover what types of local products are best matched for placement, as well as the process for new vendors and safety certifications. Up to three products may be submitted to be reviewed anonymously by mass retailers, specialty retailers, and farm retail markets for coaching and feedback on the overall marketability and attractiveness of the items.

Participants will leave the workshop with marketing support and information that can guide their journey.

The $15 workshop at the Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way, Lexington, includes lunch. Digital registration can be accessed in the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/retail-readiness-marketing-workshop-registration-1980640032655?aff=oddtdtcreator.

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Kentucky has had a few cases of bird flu in the state - know what to watch out for and reported any suspected cases immediately.

Defend the Flock | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA’s Defend the Flock program offers free tools and resources to help everyone who works with or handles poultry follow proper biosecurity practices.

For those in Central Kentucky - 'Building on the successes': Kentucky Farm Launch accepting applications for second season

'Building on the successes': Kentucky Farm Launch accepting applications for second season The Food Connection and UK Cooperative Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources, both housed in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, received a USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant for $750,000 for KY Farm Launch, which is gearing up for ...

Bird flu has been confirmed on a pasture egg production farm in Jessamine County. Please follow a good biosecurity program to keep your flocks safe.

‘Dangerous’ poultry virus detected in Ky. backyard flock Federal and state authorities have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a Jessamine County backyard poultry flock.

For those living close to Lexington, the UK Research Farm has excess birds (spent hens) available for purchase. See https://afs.mgcafe.uky.edu/research/poultry under sale of excess poultry commodities.

Poultry Research | Animal & Food Sciences Poultry Research Poultry Research Research Areas Use of Algae Products with Poultry As omega-3 fatty acids continue to gain positive attention for their implications in brain development and heart health, there is an increase in public demand for omega-3 enriched products. Microalgae, an alternative...

Recording from yesterday's eXtension webinar on Choice feeding as an option with poultry is now available on our YouTube channel at

Choice Feeding Poultry Nutritional requirements can vary among individual chickens. There is research to indicate that chickens are able to select from a variety of different feed ...

FYI - The Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) reported a human case of H5N5 variant of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a human.

The state agency stated that this is the first time the H5N5 variant has appeared in a human.

According to a press release from WSDH, the patient was admitted to a hospital with influenza symptoms in early November, and remains hospitalized. Testing showed the virus to be H5N5. The agency further stated that the patient is an older adult with underlying health conditions. The affected person has a mixed backyard poultry flock and the backyard flock had exposure to wild birds.

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Website of possible interest - perhaps for once winter is over

Toxic Plants to Chickens A-Z | PoultryDVM Use our toxic plant lookup tool to find out which plants are toxic to your chickens.