Grayson County ranks 21st in Kentucky for poultry and egg production, with poultry being the county’s number one livestock commodity. According to the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, poultry production in Grayson County contributes over $2 million annually to the local economy. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in poultry production, marked by the construction of new poultry houses and the retrofitting of older facilities to meet the modern needs of poultry farming.

Grayson County has seen significant growth in poultry production, with new poultry houses being constructed to accommodate increasing demand. However, many of the existing poultry houses in the county are aging and require retrofitting to keep pace with evolving production practices. These older facilities are being updated to improve efficiency, ventilation, and overall production standards. To help producers adapt to these changes and maximize production efficiency, a concerted effort has been made to provide targeted education and support through Extension programming. Together, the Grayson County ANR agent collaborated with the McLean Co. and Ohio County ANR agents to develop a 3-day program for producers.  

A key component of the program involved farm visits led by Dr. Czarick, Extension Specialist in Poultry with University of Georgia.  He is a world-renowned expert on poultry ventilation. Dr. Czarick travels extensively across the U.S. and internationally, offering expert consultation to poultry producers. His insights on ventilation, energy efficiency, and optimal house design have been invaluable in helping producers understand the best practices for maintaining healthy and productive poultry operations. During these farm visits, participants were able to observe and evaluate poultry houses in real-time. One of the standout features of the program was the use of infrared cameras to identify heat spots and poorly insulated areas in poultry houses. These cameras allowed producers to visualize energy inefficiencies, which in turn helped them address issues related to temperature control and overall poultry health. They also collaborated with the two local poultry companies, Perdue and Tyson, to provide specialized educational opportunities for flock advisors. These experts helped identify and address real-world problems within poultry houses, offering on-site assessments and solutions tailored to the specific conditions of each farm.

To support this educational effort, the Grayson County ANR agent secured matching funds from the Grayson County Agricultural Development Board to cover additional expenses related to Dr. Czarick’s extended stay. This financial support allowed Dr. Czarick to spend a day in Grayson Co. doing visits. His last day was a classroom session where all producers in the tri-county area were invited to attend his hot weather ventilation seminar.

The poultry program has proven to be highly successful, with participation from 4 targeted producers from each county for farm visits. The Friday morning seminar hosted 45 participants. In addition to providing valuable educational content, the program has fostered stronger relationships between producers, Extension agents, and industry professionals. It has also helped participants make informed decisions regarding their poultry operations. Looking ahead, the agents continue offering specialized educational opportunities for local producers both on farm and in the classroom. This ongoing support ensures that Grayson County and its neighbors remain at the forefront of best practices in the poultry industry.