Poultry Program

The Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) Poultry Program helps small-scale poultry owners, educators, and community partners build healthy, productive flocks and resilient local food systems. 

Through science-based information and practical resources, we support everyone from backyard chicken keepers to diversified farmers who are raising poultry as part of sustainable farm enterprises.

Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your operation, our program connects you with trusted guidance, research updates, and opportunities to collaborate across the state.

About the Program

Mission

The LUCE Poultry Program makes science-based poultry knowledge accessible to everyone—helping farmers and communities raise healthy birds, improve productivity, and strengthen food security across Missouri.

Meet the Specialist

Tatijana Fisher, Ph.D.
State Poultry Extension Specialist

Dr. Fisher leads research and outreach in small-flock poultry production, with a special focus on heritage breeds and outdoor production systems. Her work bridges science and practice, providing small- and medium-scale poultry producers with the tools and knowledge to establish and improve successful operations across the state.

Who We Serve

We are committed to making science-based poultry education accessible to all.

Our program is designed to support:

• Beginning and experienced producers 
• Small- and medium-scale farmers 
• Limited-resource producers 
• Extension educators 
• FFA/4-H leaders 
• Veterinarians 
• Youth

What We Offer

The LUCE Poultry Program combines research, outreach, and real-world expertise to improve poultry production and education across Missouri and beyond.

We deliver this support through:

• Educational programs
• Hands-on workshops
• On-farm demonstrations
• Extension publications
• One-on-one consultations

Educational Program

Our educational programs provide science-based learning opportunities for poultry producers and educators across Missouri. These sessions range from introductory courses for new chicken keepers to advanced topics in nutrition, flock health, and business management for established farmers. Programs are designed to translate current research into clear, practical steps that improve flock performance, bird welfare, and farm profitability.

Topics may include:

• Egg production
• Meat production
• Dual-purpose chickens
• Small-scale poultry housing 
• Poultry nutrition and health 
• Behavior and welfare 
• Biosecurity 
• Food safety 
• Seasonal considerations (summer, winter)

Hands-On Workshops

Our hands-on workshops give participants the chance to gain practical hands-on experience and apply what they learn in a supportive, interactive environment. Regardless of the subject, workshops emphasize safe, humane, and efficient practices that can be adapted to a variety of small-scale and pasture-based production systems.

Workshop topics may include:

• Grading eggs
• Evaluating laying hens
• Processing meat chickens
• Building hoop coops
• Small-flock equipment demonstrations

On-farm Demonstrations

Extension Publications

We develop and share science-based publications and planning tools to help poultry producers make informed decisions. These resources provide detailed guidance on production costs, management strategies, and best practices for sustainable small-scale operations.

Current publications:

• Mobile Laying Hen Planning Budget (09/2025) - https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g741
• Mobile Poultry for Meat Planning Budget (09/2025) - https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g742

One-on-One Consultations