Neighbor News
Illinois Moves Closer to Federal Standards with Poultry Reform Law
A new law on poultry processing helps small farmers and protects consumers.
SPRINGFIELD – August 20, 2025 — A new Illinois law will expand on-farm poultry processing while keeping consumer safety at the forefront, closing gaps that advocates say put farmers at a disadvantage compared with their peers in neighboring states.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2196 on Tuesday, raising the processing limit for small farmers from 5,000 to 7,500 birds annually and authorizing sales at farmers markets. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), also repeals an outdated 30-day ownership requirement for individuals processing poultry and livestock for personal use.
“This reform modernizes Illinois law, aligns it more closely with federal standards, and makes it easier for small farms to thrive,” said Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance.
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Public health safeguards were written into the bill, including mandatory safe-handling labels, leakproof packaging, and strict temperature requirements. The bill passed with bipartisan support, reflecting a growing recognition of the role small farms play in food security.
For producers, the changes are timely. “Passing this law opens the door to new possibilities for our business,” said Anna Morrell of The Little Farm at Weldon Springs. “We will be able to scale production up or down as we need, with fewer constraints and more flexibility.”
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Farmer Bethany Salisbury, who runs Saratoga Homestead in Henry, stressed the urgency of reform after processors for ducks and quail recently shut down. “This law will allow me to continue producing quail, waterfowl, and other poultry with safe, on-farm processing to meet consumer needs,” she said.
According to Stelk, the law supports both tradition and innovation. “It gives farmers tools they need to succeed while honoring community food culture,” she said.
The Illinois Stewardship Alliance says it will continue advocating for policies that keep family farms competitive and expand consumer access to local food.