Animal Processing Equipment Rental

In order to increase food sovereignty and sustainability in our community, we are now offering the use of our animal processing space for other folks who want to raise their own meat but can’t afford to take on the investments of additional equipment. 

We are NOT a mobile unit. 

Liability

According to VT State Law animals processed at our farm are NOT FOR RESALE. Giant Journey Farm does not assume liability for issues with any meat sold from a third party. Meat processed at Giant Journey Farm is for personal use only. We are not an inspected, licensed facility. All meat will be labeled with weight and “not for resale”.

Giant Journey Farm is not responsible for the health of livestock brought for processing. If we see any red flags (signs of parasites, sick or anemic animals, etc) we reserve the right to refuse processing for meat because of the biorisk to our farm. All rental fees will still apply even if you are turned away.

All animals processed in the State of VT require proper labeling. As a rental service we are not selling meat but for safe handling please note:

• Giant Journey Farm, Newfane, VT 05345

• Exempt per 6 V.S.A. § 3312(b): NOT INSPECTED.  

• SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS:    Keep refrigerated or frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator or microwave.  Always rinse your poultry.  Keep raw poultry separate from other foods.  Wash working surfaces, including cutting boards, utensils, and hands after touching raw poultry.  Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit maintained for at least 15 seconds (for poultry).  Keep hot foods hot. Refrigerate leftovers immediately or discard.  

Cost

Under 10 birds

$1.00/bird under 7lbs or $2.00/bird 7lbs+ plus $7.50 for propane and water heater.

For 10-25 birds

$0.75/bird under 7lbs or $1.50/bird 7lbs+ plus $15 for propane and water heater.

For 25 birds or more

$0.50/bird under 7lbs or $1.00/bird 7lbs+ plus $40 for propane and water heater.

The minimum charge for processing your own birds at our facility is $25. There is no minimum number of birds.

If it's your first time processing at Giant Journey Farm we require you to take a tour to hear about our equipment and the expectations around the space. The charge for this is $15.

If any of the equipment is left dirty or in disrepair there will be a $50 surcharge and you may lose your ability to use our facility in the future.

We have FoodSaver brand vacuum sealers that take any bags up to xxx” wide. We do not provide rolls of vacuum seal bags.

Learning

Folks for whom this is their first time processing animals can book us for a one-on-one workshop to learn the skills you will need to confidently process your animals. If you’ve done it before but still feel you could use an extra hand, you can book us for that too. A schedule of fees is listed below.

If you book us for learning or assistance it is important that you are prompt. Processing on the farm begins between 8:00-9:00 AM. Your animals must be delivered- properly crated (we can provide crates, just let us know)- to the farm between 7:00-8:00 AM the morning of processing. Late arrival will incur a surcharge of $50/hour.

Full workshop and processing assistance

Tour of facility, explanation of equipment and how to process the animal, demo of one animal, side-by-side support while you process your animals and we’ll take on a full share of the labor. $75 flat rate plus $4.50/bird, minimum charge $100 (no equipment rental fees).

Processing assistance ONLY

Tour of facility, we’ll take on a full share of the labor but we expect to just be a cog in the machine. $4.50/bird, minimum charge $75 (no equipment rental fees).

Processing demo ONLY

Tour of facility, explanation of equipment and how to process the animal, demo of two animals and assistance with one animal. $35 plus equipment rental fees (see above)