Processing

For exhibitors in commercial projects: after the fair, winning birds may go to the Small Stock Auction. Auction birds whose buyers choose to have them processed, as well as families who wish to process their birds for personal use or donation, can use the county processor: Homestead Butcher in Arivaca, AZ. Using the county processor ensures birds are handled safely and efficiently and provides clear guidance for families who are new to processing or who prefer not to handle it themselves.

Exhibitors are responsible for paying the processing fee for their buyer’s birds if the buyer chooses to have them processed. Processing costs vary depending on the type of bird.

Families may also bring additional birds to be processed; however, these birds may not enter the barn until Sunday morning and will be placed at the opposite end of the indoor arena.

Please do not load birds for processing until all birds are banded and paid for. Wing bands will already be on birds entered at fair under the commercial turkey and Cornish projects. All additional birds and heritage birds must be banded prior to loading.

You must also designate who will be picking up the frozen birds so coordinators know who to contact when processing is complete.