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=

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. 

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

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.

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