Poultry Processing Trailer Rentals
WVFMA’s Poultry Processing Trailers provide small-scale poultry producers across West Virginia with access to affordable, state-compliant processing equipment for on-farm use. These mobile units are designed to help farmers process poultry safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.
Before reserving a trailer, producers should contact the appropriate state regulatory agency overseeing poultry processing to ensure all legal requirements are met.
Make a Reservation
Reserve by Phone
Call (304) 398-5214
This option is available Monday-Friday, 9 am – 3:30 pm.
Online Request
Fully Equipped for On-Farm Poultry Processing
Each trailer includes essential equipment to support efficient poultry processing operations, including:
- Six processing cones
- Rotating scalder unit
- Poultry plucker
- Stainless steel evisceration table
- Ice and water basin
What You’ll Need
To use the trailer, renters must provide:
- A 2” ball hitch for towing
- Note: Unit 3 in Bunker Hill requires a 2 5/16” ball hitch
- Full-coverage automobile insurance for the towing vehicle
- Standard propane tank for heating the scalder
- Access to running water
- Access to electricity
- Knives, packaging materials, personal protective equipment, and additional processing supplies
Poultry Processing Trailer Photos
Member Savings
WVFMA members receive discounted rental pricing and access to additional resources and support programs.
Member Rate
$35 per day
Applies to current WVFMA members.
Non-Member Rate
$55 per day
Applies to individuals or organizations that are not current WVFMA members.
Annual WVFMA membership is available for $25.
Please note: poultry processed outside the state of West Virginia may not use this equipment for participation in interstate commerce.
Updated Pricing Structure
To better maintain and improve the trailers, WVFMA has eliminated the refundable deposit requirement. This updated structure allows continued investment in equipment upgrades and user support, including:
- Trailer tracking systems
- Online operating manuals
- Educational demonstration videos
- Ongoing trailer improvements and maintenance
Rental fees may be paid online or reserved by phone, with payment submitted by check.
Make a Reservation
Reserve by Phone
Call (304) 398-5214
This option is available Monday-Friday, 9 am – 3:30 pm.
Online Request
Biosecurity & Sanitation Requirements
Protecting poultry health is critical for all producers.
Report Sick Birds
If your birds are sick or dying, contact:
WVDA Animal Health Division: (304) 558-2214
USDA Hotline: 1 (866) 536-7593
Defend the Flock
USDA’s Defend the Flock program provides free biosecurity resources and best practices for poultry producers and handlers.
The poultry trailer must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before being returned. Failure to properly sanitize equipment may result in loss of future rental privileges.
Poultry Processing Trailer Resources
This equipment may be rented for on-farm use only by producers in compliance with state and federal laws. Consult the state regulatory office overseeing poultry before contacting us about dates for rental equipment availability.
On-Farm Poultry Processing Best Practices
Techniques & Equipment
- Shen, C., Moritz, J., Boltz, T., & Jones, L. (n.d.). Mobile Poultry Processing Unit Food Microbiology Safety Manual, Division of Animal & Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University; Department of Poultry Science, Mississippi State University; WVU Extension Small Farm Center.
- Written by Dr. Lauren Gwin and Rebecca Thistlethwaite, Best Practices Guide for Open-Air Poultry Slaughter, OSU Extension publication #EM9273. Updated January 2020. Available in Spanish as well here, La Guia de Buenas Practicas para el Sacrificio al Aire Libre de Aves de Corral.
- On Farm Poultry Slaughter Guidelines, a joint publication of Cornell University and NE Beginning Farmers Project.
- Safer Management Practices for Small Poultry Processors, a publication of SARE.
Cost Analysis/Economic Feasibility
- Painter et al. Pacific Northwest Extension Publication #665. From Food Safety to Economics: Processing Your Chickens for Market.
- Managing Risks: Costs, Regulations and Food Safety for On-farm Poultry Processing, with discussions of regulations, costs, and food safety considerations. A publication of the University of Tennessee Extension.
Mobile Poultry Processing Units (USDA Inspected & Exempt)
Cost Analysis/Economic Feasibility
- Simone Angiolini et al. in Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, July 2015. Economic feasibility of mobile processing units for small-scale pasture poultry farmers
Food Safety Research
Pathogen Research
- Rebecca Stearns, Kristina Bowen, Robert L. Taylor, Jr., Joe Moritz, Kristen Matak, Janet Tou, Annette Freshour, Jacek Jaczynski, Timothy Boltz, Xiang Li, Carly Long, and Cangliang Shen*. 2024. Microbial Profile of Broiler Carcasses Processed at A University Scale Mobile Poultry Processing Unit. Poultry Science, 103, Article 103576.
- Trimble et al. in Food Control, April 2013. Salmonella and Campylobacter prevalence and concentration on pasture-raised broilers processed on-farm, in a Mobile Processing Unit, and at small USDA-inspected facilities
- Bucher et al. in Preventative Veterinary Medicine, January 2012. A systematic review-meta-analysis of chilling interventions and a meta-regression of various processing interventions for Salmonella contamination of chicken.
- Controlling Salmonella in Poultry Plants, USDA Food Safety Inspection Service
On-Farm Management Practices
- Walid Alali et al. in American Pastured Poultry Producers Association Grit Issue #72, 2013. From Food Safety to Economics: Processing Your Chickens for Market
Alternative Anti-Microbials
- Cleaning and Disinfecting in Organic Poultry Production, a list of approved materials by Dr. Jacquie Jacob, University of Kentucky.
Videos
Poultry Processing Demonstration
By Dr. Joe Moritz, WVU Poultry Specialist
Poultry Processing Cleaning & Sanitizing Demonstration
By Dr. Cangliang Shen, WVU Associate Professor & Extension Specialist
Get Involved
Become a WVFMA Member
Connect with a statewide network dedicated to stronger farmers markets and local food systems. Access resources, training, and opportunities to grow your impact.