Do you need an efficient, accessible, straightforward, and cost-effective way to process your birds? A Mobile Poultry Processing Unit (MPPU) is available for local producers in Orange and Durham counties to rent and utilize on-farm. Cooperative Extension in Durham and Orange Counties operate this joint program.

On this page, you will find helpful information about the mobile processing unit and the rental process.

Rental Process

Prior to renting the MPPU for the first time, producers must participate in a training in proper processing methods, including animal welfare, biosecurity, pest control, equipment and tools, sanitation, food safety, and start-to-finish processing of the bird. Training will be offered in either Orange or Durham counties at least two times per year.

Renters must be located in either Durham or Orange counties. If you do not raise poultry in either of these counties, there are other units available for rental in NC. The Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) has a map of MPUs available for rent in NC.

The MPPU rental fee is $50.00 per 3-day reservation or $75.00 per 5-day reservation, payable at the time of reservation through our online payment system. 3-day rentals may occur during two timeframes: MPPU pickup on Tuesday with return on Thursday, or from MPPU pickup on Friday with return on Monday.  5-day rentals will require MPPU pickup on Friday and return on Wednesday.  Our office is not open on Saturday or Sunday.  Dates fill up quickly so check on availability well before your desired processing date.

The renter must sign a User Agreement when they pick up the MPPU. Per the agreement, a cleaning charge will be assessed if the unit is not properly cleaned and the user will be required to participate in additional training prior to the next rental. The MPPU is housed in a 5'x8' enclosed towable trailer.  To tow the unit, the renter must bring a vehicle with a 2" trailer hitch ball, and working connectors for trailer lights and brakes.

IF you would like to rent the unit, you must complete the RESERVATION REQUEST.  An Extension staff member will contact you to confirm your date and provide you with the payment link to pay by credit card. At this time, we are not able to accept a check or cash.  After payment is received, your reservation will be added to the calendar and you will receive instructions about pick up and drop off.  

Reservation Request

Contact John Lyttle at john_lyttle@ncsu.edu if you have any questions about reservations.

USER AGREEMENT (To be completed by staff and signed at MPPU pick up).

For information about renting the Mobile Poultry Processing Unit or the required pre-rental training, please contact John Lyttle at john_lyttle@ncsu.edu or Alex Kissinger at alex_kissinger@ncsu.edu.

What’s Included with the MPPU?

A trailer that requires a 2" ball (provided by renter).

Included:

• Cones for broilers, turkeys, and gamebirds
• Cone stand and base
• Scalder / dunker with shackle
• Plucker
• Stainless steel tables (2)
• NSF water hose
• Trailer locks and keys

NOTE: Renters will need to supply their own propane tank for the scalder. 20 pound propane tanks are compatible.

For users looking to resell your poultry products, then you must qualify for a Poultry Exemption through the NCDA. You are responsible for obtaining the Poultry Exemption. For more information, visit the NCDA’s page.