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Direct farm sales of meat and poultry products may present a business opportunity for the medium to small scale producer.  In the recent past, most farm operations included at least minimal animal production.  The decline of livestock auction markets and transition to vertical integration in many livestock and poultry industries has foreclosed some of the opportunities for the small livestock or poultry farmer.  Direct farm sales is one alternative to retain a presence in this potentially lucrative market despite the overall trend toward increased vertical integration.  Ongoing consumer concerns regarding food safety and the increasing interest in animal welfare should support increased demand for direct farm sales of these products.  Moreover, in a 2004 study of restaurant and commercial food buyers, the most important factor in selecting a new supplier was obtaining the highest quality available--a characteristic that local, direct market farm operations may have an advantage in obtaining due to geographic proximity and the ability to deliver meat with superior freshness. 

In order to participate in this market, however, producers must navigate a series of state and federal regulations relating to the production, slaughter and processing of meat and poultry products.   This web page will address siting, production and slaughter requirements.  Processing requirements for meat and poultry products are found on another web page within the site.

The LMFA

The Illinois Livestock Management Facilities Act (LMFA) and accompanying regulations establish requirements for the design, construction and operation of livestock management and livestock waste-handling facilities.  They also establish specific procedures and criteria for the siting of such facilities and outline the public information meeting process.  The legislature enacted the LMFA, in part, to control environmental and land use problems arising from the expansion and concentration of animal production. 

The Illinois EPA and Illinois Department of Agriculture maintain websites providing extensive information on the Act's requirements.  Most of the information, however, is oriented toward answering questions for the large animal production rather than the small or medium-scale operations typical of direct farm meat and poultry sales.  These websites include:

IL DOA, Livestock Management Facilities Program

IL EPA, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

IL EPA, CAFO Factsheed:  Will An NPDES Permit Be Required For My Operation?  Common Livestock Scenarios

US EPA, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) - Final Rule

Discussed below are the critical elements of the LMFA relevant to smaller operations.

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The Illinois LMFA defines Livestock Management Facilities as any "animal feeding operation," "livestock shelter," or "on-farm milking and accompanying milk-handling area." 

Production Requirements

Link to Livestock Production questions under EZ Regs

Manure management plans may be required by three separate agencies in Illinois:  IL EPA, ILDoA, and USDA  one plan will satisfy all three agencies Link to extension site

Animal Identification

See NAIS Premises Registration page.

The Humane Care for Animals Act and Other Laws Relating to Animal Care

The Humane Care for Animals Act and regulations requires that owners of animal provide:

• sufficient quantities of good quality, wholesome food and water
• adequate protection and shelter from the weather
• veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering
• humane care and treatment 

(510 ILCS 70/3).  Nothing in the Act is intended, however, to affect "normal, good husbandry practices utilized by any person for the production of food. . . ." (510 ILCS 70/13).

The Humane Slaughter of Livestock Act and regulations

Illinois Brand Act

Diseased Animals and Dead Animal Disposal

Diseased Animal Act and Regulations

Dead Animal Disposal Act and regulations

Grading and Marketing

Liability for Animal Damages

Continue to Nurseries