Livestock - Frequenty Asked Questions

FAQ Categories

General

Can we have chickens and/or livestock in the City limits of Winston-Salem?

You must submit an application to the city for approval to have up to five hens on residentially zones property in the city limits of Winston-Salem. There are a number of other regulations as well. Read the regulations and download the application at https://www.cityofws.org/DocumentCenter/View/979/Application-for-Keeping-Chickens-or-other-Fowl-and-Pigeons-PDF?bidId=

Learn about other livestock at https://www.cityofws.org/DocumentCenter/View/2856/Backyard-Livestock-Brochure-PDF?bidId=

Learn about keeping farm animals in Rural Hall at https://www.ruralhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Animal-Ordinance-1.pdf.


How can I start farming?    

Click here to learn more about how to start farming and the resources that are available

What livestock species should I raise?

YOU and your "tribe" have to answer that question. What types of animals do you enjoy? How much land do you have? What is your market? Here is a link to a great hand-out to help you decide what animals might work best for the amount of land that you have. 

How do I get my meat handlers license?    

Call the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 919-707-3180 to request an inspection of your freezer.

You may find it helpful to read their Frequently Asked Questions before calling at https://www.ncagr.gov/MeatPoultry/pdf/How%20to%20Become%20a%20Meat%20and%20Poultry%20Handler.pdf

How can I become a bonafide farm, join the Voluntary Ag District, or get present-use value for my property?

Some of these questions can be answered on this page: http://forsyth.cc/CES/Requirements.aspx, but visit http://ncsu.zoom.us/rec/share/tOJzNurczUBJetbm2V7YUJZwRbS1X6a81yRL__RbzEzszHDHOsaKlxz6vB5E6oSG to watch this 2.5 hour Land Summit session for great information that will answer many of your questions.

Where can I get a soil test kit?

Soil test kits are available outside our office 24/7.  Learn more in this news story.

Can you recommend a large animal veterinarian to treat my farm animals?

Here is a list of large animal veterinarians in Forsyth and the surrounding area that will treat farm animals. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ah73l1xzJby2wqjCDKwPM75wmJoqsf8um4wxA1s08Js/edit?usp=sharing

Are there grants to help me start farming?

 There are very few grants to help you start farming. There are a few to help you expand an existing farm operation. This article sums it up nicely. https://vance.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/10/are-there-grants-for-farmers/

Where can I get my chickens processed?

The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stokes County Center has a Mobile Poultry Processing Unit that you can rent for a small fee if you're interested in processing them yourself. https://stokes.ces.ncsu.edu/stokes-county-livestock-forage/mobile-poultry-processing-unit/
Find a list of on-farm poultry processors at https://cefs.ncsu.edu/food-system-initiatives/nc-choices/on-farm-poultry-processing-and-mobile-poultry-processing-equipment-for-rent/

What are the laws regarding keeping poultry outside of the city limits?

Poultry must remain on your property. Read the exact law here.

Can I sell eggs directly to consumers from my home?

Farmers can sell less than 30 dozen eggs per week from their homes, but the carton should be labeled with the farmer's name, address, and the words "ungraded eggs". Learn more at: https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms-meatandeggs/

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