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Stonecrest Annual 2018 Page 13 / 38

Modular Loading for Poultry Facilities.
A Recap.

The Ontario poultry industry continued its’ transition to modular loading and within the next
few years the majority of Ontario’s production volume will be marketed using this improved
loading method. Modular loading offers improved poultry welfare, quality and productivity

benefits and enhances farm workplace health and safety.

There are currently over 2,000 chicken barns Two storey barns can be adapted for
in production in Ontario. Most existing modular loading provided that the
barns or yards will require at least some minimum weight bearing requirements
modification to meet the upcoming mandate. can be met on the second floor. Side door
As noted with the current regulations, loading from the second floor is achieved
your barn will need to be ready for loading by placing the empty modules just inside
with modules no later than 56 weeks or 7 the load out doors. This loading operation
quota periods after your processor formally increases the weight bearing requirement
declares their intention to implement a concentrated within the vicinity of the load-
modular loading system. out doors. Additionally, most two storey
barns will require accommodations to
Effective use of modular loading equipment laneways and loading doors.
at the farm has specific requirements with
respect to laneways, ceiling heights, loading From July 12, 2017, all new barns must
door heights and widths, weight bearing be modular-compliant and ensure this
capacity and external pad areas outside the provision is incorporated in their facility
barn to facilitate efficient and safe loading of design. Any barns or barns on properties
the trailers. purchased prior to this date, including any
additions made onto these barns, must be
Single storey barns maximize the benefits compliant by December 31, 2024. For more
of first floor modular loading including information on Schedule 1 and Schedule
significantly reduced loading time and less 2 Regulations, visit the Chicken Farmers of
handling and walking of birds. Side or end Ontario website at www.ontariochicken.ca
door loading can be used if the doors are
designed for forklift access.