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Entering the Poultry Business

There are some essential steps, whether you’re in the market to purchase an existing farm or plan on building new. Getting started can be overwhelming, and financing can also be a big hurdle. Read more to find out how to get started.

Tips from Small Business Owners

Being your own boss sounds glamorous, but what every business owner will tell you is that it takes more: more information, more planning, and more work. Getting insights from those who have not only been there but are continuing to drive success can be invaluable.

The Georgia Tech Research Institute’s (GTRI) Agricultural Technology Research Program (ATRP) fosters a culture of constant innovation and improvement through its strategic initiative focused on defining the next generation of poultry processing methods and technologies. The initiative, Poultry Production and Processing of the Future, fund R&D projects that take a “thinking outside the box” approach to improving industry processes from the grow-out farm to the processing plant.

Introducing: Kevin Walker

1. Role at FFB: Vice President, Branch Manager of Texas Poultry office

2. Family: (wife) Angela, (daughters) Jennifer & Hannah, (son) HUnter, (grandsons) Cooper & Nash, (Granddaughter) Abby.

3. Education: BS in Agri-Business from Stephen F. Austin State University

4. Hobbies: Hunting & Fishing

5. What is your favorite thing about working at FFB? Helping people realize their dream of making a living on the family farm while building substantial net worth.

6. Do you have an unknown talent? I'm a decent shot with a shotgun. I made it to AA Class in the National Sporting Clays Association before retiring to chase my kids at the ballpark.

7. Favorite place you have visited? The Grand Canyon

8. What is one thing you would like to learn more about? The Bible

9. Words you live by or funny story about you? Do the right thing, even when nobody is watching.

Charcoal-Grilled Turkey

Ingredients

2 c. mesquite chips
1 fresh or frozen (thawed) turkey
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tsp. dried rosemary
2 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
Rosemary sprigs for garnish

Directions

Soak mesquite chips in water for about 1 hour.
To prepare coals: In the bottom of a covered charcoal grill, with vents open and grill uncovered, ignite 60 charcoal briquettes (not self-starting). Allow briquettes to burn for 30 minutes or until all coals are covered with a thin coating of gray ash. Push hot briquettes to 2 sides of grill; place sturdy disposable foil pan (about 13" by 9" by 2") in between coals. Drain chips well and scatter over hot coals.
Meanwhile, remove giblets and neck from turkey; refrigerate for use in soup another day. Rinse turkey with cold running water and drain well. Fasten neck skin to back with 1 or 2 skewers. With turkey breast side up, fold wings under the back of the turkey so they stay in place. Depending on the brand of turkey, with string, tie legs and tail together, push drumsticks under the band of skin, or use a stuffing clamp. In a cup, mix vegetable oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper; use to rub all over the turkey.
To grill: Place turkey, breast side up, on cooking grate directly over foil pan (to catch drips). Cover grill and roast turkey for 2 1/2 to 3 hours (11 to 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed bird), adding 8 to 9 briquettes to each side of the pan every hour to maintain a grill temperature of 325 degrees F on the oven or grill thermometer. Turkey is done when thigh temperature on meat thermometer reaches 175 to 180 degrees F and juices run clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced with tip of knife; breast temperature should reach 165 to 170 degrees F. (Upon standing, the temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees F).
When turkey is done, place on cutting board; let stand 15 minutes to set juices for easier carving. Carefully remove drip pan from grill; skim fat from drippings. Carve turkey and arrange on a large warm platter; garnish with rosemary sprigs. Serve drippings along with the turkey.

Tips from Small Business Owners

Researchers test novel on-farm processing and transport system

Charcoal-Grilled Turkey