The mission of HENHOUSE Coaching Network is to establish local grassroots movements of networks, that are committed to developing, producing and maintaining authentic, historic, standard bred poultry as described by the American Poultry Association (APA) Standard of Perfection. Birds will be produced for breeding, and growing to provide meat & eggs for the dining tables of American families. Our goal is to establish local coalitions that work together for the cause of sustainable poultry farming.
We have divided our philosophy into five core values:
- Standard Bred Poultry: Flocks will be certified by the Center for Poultry – Farmers involved in the HENHOUSE Coaching Network, must be breeding flocks of poultry that are identified in the American Standard of Perfection. Genetic lines must trace back multiple generations; and exhibit traits that meet the APA standard guidelines for breed.
- Natural Outdoor Environment: The HENHOUSE Coaching Network is committed to allow the birds to behave naturally and to allow them the opportunity to perform natural and instinctive behaviors essential to their health and well-being including daily access to natural, outdoor pasture.
- Local Sustainable Farming: Farmers involved in the network are committed to local poultry farming that promotes and encourages sustainability. This is defined by selling our poultry products locally, by raising poultry that can reproduce, and is local and not dependent on “outside breed resources” to provide eggs, chicks and/or poults to our farms. We are committed to preserving genetics that are reproducible at the local farm. Commercial/industrialized hybrids are not permitted.
- Commitment to Provide Training, Coaching & Mentoring for Farmers: Farmers involved in the HENHOUSE Coaching Network, are committed to networking with other local farmers. Within the local networks, farmers receive ongoing education, training for understanding, coaching for implementation and mentoring for multiplication. Our goal within is to reproduce other local, sustainable-poultry farmers who are self- supporting.
- Welfare of the Bird: Farmers in the network must be committed to the welfare standards of the HENHOUSE Coaching Network. Farmers will be distinguished by a humane and conscientious attitude toward the birds in their care as well as by housing and husbandry. The premise of our welfare standards is that animals are allowed to behave naturally, ensure social interaction, comfort, and physical and psychological well being. Within our standards we believe that genetics play a very significant role in the welfare of all breeds of poultry; the best welfare for the bird is for them to be standard bred. A full copy of the Standards of Poultry Welfare and Husbandry is available upon request.
Membership Benefits:
- A minimum of (4) farm visits per year or the equivalent of 20 hours of training coaching and mentoring by the coordinator/instructor, Jim Adkins. This could include an initial farm visit, chick selection, procurement and delivery; quality control, welfare inspection certification; bio security training; breeder selection and/or coordination of breeding pens.
- Ongoing education, training, coaching and mentoring:
- 50% discount to all network members for workshops and special events.
- There will be opportunities for farmers to host on- farm events that create revenue for the host farm.
- Network members will receive certification and identification materials.
- Membership card (business card size)
- Membership CERTIFICATE of approval (8 ½ X 11) framed.
- Farm profile description; photo and link on the website pages.
- Network members will:
- …network together for marketing our products.
- …will receive assistance in the entire marketing process; breeding, raising, processing and selling the birds.
- …have opportunities to host on farm events: Heritage Poultry Workshops, Poultry Harvesting Workshops, HENHOUSE Coaching Clinics etc.
- …will have their flocks be recognized as a certified flocks.
MEMBERSHIP Fee: $1000.00 for the FIRST year; Paid in two installments unless other arrangements are made. Participants may enter the network at any time of year.
To join the HENHOUSE Coaching Network, make your initial $500 payment via PayPal using the button below:
