Poultry farmers at the top of pecking order in Anderson County

The U.S. poultry industry is one of the largest in the world and an important sector of our agricultural economy according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In Anderson County where each poultry house typically hold 30 thousand chickens, poultry farmers focus on health, safety, and security of their farms which can be tedious and costly.
To reduce potential loss, that’s where the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) team can assist.
“Poultry practices are the most expensive for our farm owners,” said Scott Glenn, USDA NRCS South Carolina Engineer.
Scott, Chester County resident, has worked with NRCS for 30 years. Among other responsibilities, he helps farmers in Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties with the technical design and inspection of farm facilities. He and his team recently inspected waste stacking sheds on three separate poultry farms in Anderson County. The covered storage structure is an environmentally sound management practice for storing poultry litter. The stacking shed preserves the nutrient content in a secure, environmental manner that protects surface and groundwater quality.
“We check to see that structural requirements are met,” said Robby Holcombe, NRCS Soil Conservationist. He said after the construction checks out, then the farmer receives the financial assistance from NRCS.
Scott, Robby, and Kadalynn Jones, a new NRCS Natural Resource Specialist, slip heavy plastic bags over their boots, review data and images in a 6-part folder, then begin the shed inspections.
“Saw joints at least every 20 feet… five pounds of macro fiber per yard of concrete,” Robby tells Kadalynn.
Though Kadalynn is a graduate of Clemson University, the 41 years of NRCS expertise that Robby provides is invaluable to her and the other NRCS staff.
Scott flipped through pages in the folder and muttered “I still need the truss design.”
The team has a sharp focus as they visually assess the concrete texture, saw joints, bolts and braces. They also measure dimensions and frequently refer to the information in the folder ensuring the actual structure meets the approved design. It takes time to complete the inspection, but Scott said the results are worth it for both the landowner and NRCS.
“If a farmer doesn’t know what the requirements are, then they need to have someone who does. And, our farmers in South Carolina benefit by having a structure that is not going to fall down when the first big wind comes along.
“NRCS makes sure to provide them with a quality product to continue to build that relationship of trust.”
For information about NRCS South Carolina, visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/sou….