As the focus on sustainability becomes an ever increasing subject matter in today's world, backyard chicken-raising continues to draw attention not only to those that desire to partake in it but also to city officials who are drafting ordinances. "There is a renaissance back to raising your own food. People who never farmed before are looking to do so," said Fred Depis, Event Coordinator for the Fest. "Food and Energy Fest provides segments on vegetable and animal raising. It was our decision to feature information on chicken-raising."

According to a Glacierland Resource Conservation & Development, Inc. newsletter they describe sustainability as "a way of life that promotes a clean environment, economic stability, and healthy population while preserving our natural resources-water, air, soil-for future generations." Greg Hines from Glacierland states, "We want to connect with people on urban chicken–raising.

With chickens that are massively raised in factories we need alternatives.

Something is wrong with the system, you might even say abuse."

Paula Lehrer from Neenah is the Winnebago County Poultry Superintendent. She also raises poultry including multiple varieties of chickens, guinea hens, quail, and turkey at her property Buck Creek Farm. Lehrer works with schools, 4-H groups, and FFA providing demonstration and education on raising poultry. She loans out incubators and covers the entire spectrum in her teachings. "There are 150 plus breeds of chickens, some lay an egg every 22-26 hours while others lay two times per week. The biggest misnomer is that you do not need a rooster for a chicken to lay an egg," said Lehrer.

Along with Lehrer and several breeds of poultry, Karl Kuhn will be on hand at the fest for aiding in the dissemination of information. Kuhn is on the board at Ledge View and a hobby farmer of chicken and turkeys. The group intends to address the size of coops, covered or uncovered, choosing breeds, number limits, handling of manure, run specifications and more. "There is a huge learning curve with chicken-raising from nurturing to handling waste," said Depis.

During World War II the federal government encouraged backyard chicken-raising as a means of assisting the public with rationing. Some of those ordinances that were placed in the books are still there today but are currently being addressed. In many cases heated debates have taken place and often the idea has been shut down due to lack of information, misinformation, or a small group making considerable noise.

The Ledge View group would disagree with the noise makers attempting to ban the practice. "I'll take a clucking hen over a yippy dog any day," said Lehrer. With her passion to educate she adds, "Four chickens in a yard are quite manageable. They can eat anything but raw potatoes out of the garden. You can clean out your refrigerator giving them stale bread and so on, they catch mice in the yard and their poo can go directly into the compost pile making it rich in nitrogen."

Kuhn pointed out, "The irony is that the food industry is the most unregulated industry in our country, yet municipalities are cracking down on backyard raising."

Hines adds that a few have tainted the practice for many, "Some people have pushed the boundaries not understanding how to properly raise the chickens, they are too rogue."

Each community has their own ordinance on backyard chicken-raising and the regulations vary greatly. Many cities have banned the practice; others provide approval based upon vague interpretations of what is considered rural. Incidentally, Madison has emerged as a leader in urban chicken-raising.

Education provides empowerment; and education is needed to address the controversy that exists over chicken-raising. As with all the exhibits at Ledge Views Fall Food & Energy Fest, education is paired with an enjoyable venue.
For those unable to attend the September 11th, Fall Food & Energy Fest a workshop is being tentatively planned in October on backyard chicken-raising.

View the Glacierland website at glacierlandrcd.org or call 920-465-3006 for further information.

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