Consumer interest in pasture-raised poultry is on the rise. UMES Extension is offering a free tour Aug. 4, 2026 for small farmers and poultry growers who want to learn more about this alternative system of growing broiler chickens.
The Pasture Poultry Twilight Tour will be led by Dr. Jennifer Timmons, who heads the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Poultry Research and Education program. Timmons has conducted trial studies to evaluate heat mitigations strategies, including diet, of broiler chickens raised in pasture. She is also a poultry extension specialist serving small producers.
Attendees will come away with the steps to start a pasture poultry system, including housing, nutrition and flock management. The tour takes places from 5:30-7 p.m. at the university’s main campus. Registration is encouraged at www.umes.edu/extension/events. Biosecurity practices should be followed to attend this free event.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
