Twenty-five years ago, Featherman offered the cheapest chicken plucker available—$750. Since then, our costs and prices have risen threefold. But wait—there are $300 poultry pluckers available today! What gives? First, let me say: I love that the entry-level doors have been blown open by cheap pluckers! It’s truly a blessing to many homesteaders and small […]
Up in Washington state, I had the privilege of working with one family who built something very special. Farm to Freezer (also known as Portage View Farm) made the homestead so welcoming siblings are moving back in. And why not? Great food for everyone, meaningful chores, and plenty of cousins for the kids created a […]
As promised, we’re back with more myths to bust. In Part 1, we tackled three common beliefs: Poultry Processing is Difficult, It’s Easier to Skin a Chicken, and I Can’t Afford Processing Equipment. Now, we’ll dive into some finer-point myths that matter just as much when it comes to processing. Myth #4.1: The Chopping Block […]
It all started in 1994 with a reluctant “yes.” My beef and lamb customers had been asking for chickens for years. I knew the pastured poultry model, but no one in our area wanted to raise them. Finally, I ordered 100 chicks, built a small pen, and scrounged for used equipment. At the close-out sale […]
Equipping your farm shouldn’t come with guesswork or overwhelm. That’s why we’ve built trusted partnerships to help you secure small farm financing and agriculture grants — especially for small, growing, and veteran-led farms. Whether you’re buying your first scalder or investing in a full setup, these financing and grant programs can make it possible. Small […]
It’s gratifying to see so many people embracing poultry as a home enterprise—whether for nutrition, food security, kid-friendly chores, or simply the joy of keeping chickens. My personal favorite reasons? Building soil and the peaceful rhythm of morning and evening chores that bookend my day. But with that rising popularity comes an explosion of misinformation […]
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or prepping for your very first DDay (Dispatch Day), your ducks need to be in a row—tight, tidy, and executed with military precision. This is your PPS Guide Sheet: a tactical checklist to help you plan, prep, and process like a pro. Duck #1 – Bird Collection Collection must be […]
Excitement is building at Featherman Equipment as we count down to our big reveal!
Mother Earth News Poultry Processing Demo Part 1, Seven Springs PA David Schafer and Joel Salatin processing chickens, a live demonstration at the Mother Earth News Fair in Seven Springs Pa. I Grabbed This Copy As Filler Only This hands-on workshop addresses the new laws and regulations for farm direct slaughter and sales under Oregon HB2872 […]