The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association is set to hold workshops on how to keep chickens, process poultry, and raise sheep on a residential or small-scale farm. Upcoming workshops, taught by Jacki Martinez Perkins, MOFGA’s organic dairy and livestock specialist, include: Backyard Chickens on June 10, Poultry Processing on July 22, and Backyard Sheep on Aug. 19.

In the Backyard Chickens workshop on Monday, June 10, participants can learn about the basics of chicken care over the seasons, site preparation, and troubleshooting common issues. Under instructor guidance, participants will be able to practice safely and humanely handling chickens. Participants also will hear from Maine State Veterinarian Stefanie Bolas about chicken health and biosecurity, as well as some of the chicken raising resources offered by the state. This workshop will take place at a private homestead in Albion.

In the Poultry Processing workshop on Monday, July 22, participants can learn how to safely and humanely process chickens at the home or small-scale farm. In this hands-on workshop, participants will be involved in each step of the process from bringing live birds through butchery, to cleaning and cutting the chicken meat. This workshop will be held at MOFGA’s Common Ground Education Center, 294 Crosby Brook Road in Unity.

In the Backyard Sheep workshop on Monday, Aug. 19, participants can learn the basics of tending to a small flock of sheep. Topics covered include ensuring appropriate space and resources for a small flock of sheep, grazing, herding, seasonal care tasks, troubleshooting common issues, and health and safety. Participants can learn via discussion, instructor demonstrations, and handling sheep themselves while under instructor guidance. This workshop will take place at Misty Brook Farm, 156 Bog Road  in Albion, featuring sheep from Golden Fleece.

To learn more and register for the workshops, visit mofga.org.

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