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Cooperative Extension proposes limited rental of small‑scale poultry processing equipment; commissioners ask legal and insurance checks
Summary
Cabarrus Cooperative Extension proposed a fee‑based rental program for existing small‑scale poultry processing equipment to support backyard poultry growers. Staff said rentals would require mandatory training, signed user agreements and county/state vetting; commissioners requested insurance and liability analysis and gave consensus to draft a full policy for the next meeting.
Tracy Lecomte, county extension director, and Livestock Agent Sarah Newman presented a proposal on Jan. 5 to create a limited rental program for small‑scale poultry processing equipment owned by Cooperative Extension. The equipment — a small exsanguination station, scaldor and plucker used in demonstrations — would be available to Cabarrus County residents after mandatory training, adherence to written safety and sanitation protocols, and a signed user agreement.
Newman said the program responds to growing backyard poultry interest and a lack of local commercial processing options for small flocks. "Without proper education and equipment, we don't want people to use [processing tools] and raise concerns related to food safety, animal welfare and sanitation," she said.
Staff told commissioners the rental would be restricted to county residents, overseen by extension staff with check‑out/check‑in inspections, and could include deposits or fees to cover replacement or damage. The tentative fee discussed during the meeting was $50 for a 3‑day rental, but staff said a fee schedule and full policy will be developed in consultation with legal and risk management.
Commissioners raised liability and insurance questions. Risk staff said the county would pursue hold‑harmless agreements for users and examine whether insurance rates would be affected depending on program scope. County staff and legal counsel noted Cooperative Extension is a state–county cooperative arrangement: Extension staff are state employees housed locally and equipment was purchased with county funds, so both entities have exposure and will need to coordinate on liability and operational rules.
The board did not vote on a policy but gave staff consensus to draft a formal program, including a fee schedule, agreements, and an insurance/risk recommendation for next month’s packet.
