UMN Extension - Poultry

05/27/2026

Now is a good time to review how to protect your flock from heat stress!

When does heat stress occur?Heat stress occurs when the bird’s core body temperature increases to fatal temperatures due to poor heat loss and limited coping means. Environmental temperature and humidity play a role in heat stress, so it is key to measure both in the barn.

05/22/2026

Happy Friday! Have a safe long weekend!

05/22/2026

MTGA Summer Summit 2026 speaker update 📣
Earlier this year, the MTRPC partnered with Look East to conduct consumer research that focused on consumers' perception of turkey outside the holiday season. Look East President, Roxi Beck is coming to Summit to share their finding and talk about ways Minnesota Turkey can be better positioned in the market place.
If you haven't already, register today for Summit. Find registration links and more details about Summit at https://www.minnesotaturkey.com/events/mtga-summer-summit

05/15/2026

Happy Friday!!!

05/14/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a reminder that mental health matters in every community. Extension's rural stress task force helps families and small towns respond to current economic, environmental and societal challenges that overwhelmingly affect rural Minnesota and farming communities. Explore resources for coping with farm and rural stress, financial challenges, family support and mental health: z.umn.edu/RuralStress

Need immediate help?

Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is free, confidential and available 24/7. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts — call. Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone you don't know. 📞 Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: 833-600-2670 or text FARMSTRESS to 898211

Join upcoming trainings designed for rural and agricultural communities:

Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET)
📅 May 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., webinar
COMET (Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory) is a two-hour interactive training that teaches participants how to reach out in a meaningful, respectful and supportive way to friends, co-workers or acquaintances who seem to be struggling somewhere between wellness and a mental health crisis. While designed for rural and farming communities, it can also be used in urban and suburban settings.

Su***de Prevention for Agricultural Communities
📅 May 19, 1–2:30 p.m., webinar
NAMI Minnesota and University of Minnesota Extension are partnering to offer su***de-prevention classes tailored to farming communities. Our aim is better equip agricultural communities to identify and help people who may be having thoughts of su***de and to change the public perception of this issue.

Learn how to recognize warning signs, support someone in crisis and connect them with help. Certificate of attendance available, plus 1.5 CEUs for social workers and continuing education credit for teachers.

05/07/2026

is a great time to recognize the efforts that fuel every egg, from caring for hens to delivering a high-quality, nutritious product that consumers trust. Eggs remain one of the most efficient and affordable sources of protein, and their value starts on the farm with strong management, good nutrition, and a commitment to bird welfare each and every day. So celebrate by enjoying some eggs as you step into the beginning of summer.

05/02/2026

Happy weekend!

04/29/2026

Some tips for salmonella prevention to help keep your family safe!

Got some cute little spring chicks (or will soon)? Keeping poultry means you could be at risk of contracting Salmonella from your birds, which is not cute at all. Learn about Salmonella and how to prevent getting sick by visiting the Minnesota Department of Health Salmonella page: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/salmonellosis/basics.html

04/28/2026

Virulent Newcastle Disease is both reportable to the Board AND a foreign animal disease in birds, particularly in chickens. What is it? How do birds get it? What are its symptoms? Can it be treated? Learn all these important answers and more in the April issue of the Reportable Disease of the Month newsletter: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNBAH/bulletins/40df8c8

04/23/2026

4-H poultry workshop in Carver County this Saturday!

With a mix of lecture and audience participation, attendees will learn showmanship tips and what to expect during the judging process from Mike Kutzke. Aaron Marquette will present the basics of poultry judging, carcasses, eggs and laying hens, in 4-H.

This workshop will cover pigeons/doves, chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys.

Birds will be provided.

All central region 4-H poultry project members are invited to a workshop with poultry and pigeon instructors Mike Kutzke and Aaron Marquette.With a mix of lecture and audience participation, attendees will learn showmanship tips and what to expect during the judging process from Mike Kutzke. Aaron M...