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.

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