Processing Schedule

I called Berry Blossom Farm and canceled the turkey processing that was scheduled for Nov 13th. That way a space is freed up for someone else. The final chicken processing (final 30 birds) is scheduled for Tuesday Oct 30th. With the last batch of 30, the total for the year should be just under 200. The batches will be 25,26, 120+/-, and 30+/-. The first batch of the year was a disaster with the weather and predator losses. The second batch was just fine after the pen was modified for predator protection. The third batch has been just fine although its too many birds for the single hoop pen esp. now that they are larger. I could move a few to the new pen but I have not yet done so. It would add another chore set. But perhaps I will in the next few days. The final batch of 30 will finish out the year. I had a goal of doing 4 batches although the numbers were not as I had anticipated. For 2008 I plan to do 4 batches but probably of 50-75 birds per batch for a total of 200-300 birds. I want the production and processing to be more balanced and stick to a strict 8 week production schedule. I'm looking at getting birds April 15, May 15, Jun 15, and Jul 15 with processing of Jun 15, Jul 15, Aug 15 and Sep 15. With multiple pens I can get the next batch of birds out of the brooder house at 3 weeks. So for a one week overlap period both batches will be on pasture. I'll be keeping a better journal via this blog for 2008 to include all feed purchased and any other costs.