How losing local poultry processing changes the cost of raising chickens in Northern Michigan When people first hear that the nearest licensed poultry processor is now more than 200 miles away, the most common response is simple: “Can’t farms just drive there?” Technically, yes. But the reality is far more complicated. With the closure of Northern Michigan’s last MDARD-licensed poultry processing facility, the next closest option for many farms is 205 miles away . That means

How the closure of one facility is affecting farms, homesteads, and local food access across Northern Michigan. At the beginning of last year, something quietly happened in Northern Michigan that most people never noticed — but it had major consequences for local farms and local food. In March of 2025, the last MDARD-licensed poultry processing facility in our region closed its doors to outside producers. For many people, that might not sound like a big deal. But for small fa

The journey and time that it takes to go from cute fluffy chicks to having eggs on you plate.