Illinois has taken a major step to support small-scale poultry farmers with the signing of House Bill 2196. The new law raises the annual on-farm poultry processing limit from 5,000 to 7,500 birds and allows direct-to-consumer sales at farmers’ markets. Restrictions requiring consumers to own animals for 30 days before processing have also been lifted. Farmers like Bethany Salisbury and Anna Morrell say the changes will help them expand and meet community demand. The legislation, backed by a bipartisan coalition, includes food safety measures such as proper labeling and temperature controls to protect public health.
“This is a transformative win for our members,” said Liz Moran Stelk, Executive Director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “It gives small farmers the tools they need to succeed while respecting food safety and community traditions.”
One such farmer is Bethany Salisbury of Saratoga Homestead in Henry, IL. “Last year, the only processor in the state offering duck processing closed. The only processor offering quail processing stopped offering that service. The timely passage of this law will allow me to continue producing quail, waterfowl, and other poultry with safe, on-farm processing to continue meeting the needs of consumers in my community.”
Another is Anna Morrell of The Little Farm at Weldon Springs in DeWitt County. “Passing this law opens the door to new possibilities for our business. We will be able to scale production up or down as we need, with fewer constraints, less overhead and more flexibility. This bill is a fantastic opportunity for small farmers.”
“This is about common-sense reform that supports local food, local economies, and local farmers,” said Stelk. “We thank all our members, allies, and legislative champions who made this possible.”
