SPRINGFIELD – August 20, 2025 — Illinois’ small poultry farmers are celebrating a major victory after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2196 into law, easing restrictions that have long limited how they process and sell their products.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), increases the number of birds farmers can process on-farm each year from 5,000 to 7,500. It also eliminates a burdensome 30-day ownership rule for consumers wishing to process poultry or livestock for personal or cultural use. Farmers can now sell directly to customers at farmers markets — a key new channel for local food.

“This is a transformative win for our members,” said Liz Moran Stelk, executive director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, which spearheaded the reform. “It gives small farmers the tools they need to succeed while respecting food safety and community traditions.”

For Bethany Salisbury of Saratoga Homestead in Henry, the law comes at a critical moment. “Last year, the only processor in the state offering duck processing closed,” she explained. “The timely passage of this law will allow me to continue producing quail, waterfowl, and other poultry with safe, on-farm processing to continue meeting the needs of consumers in my community.”

Other farmers echoed the optimism. Anna Morrell, owner of The Little Farm at Weldon Springs in DeWitt County, said, “We will be able to scale production up or down as we need, with fewer constraints, less overhead and more flexibility. This bill is a fantastic opportunity for small farmers.”

HB2196 passed both chambers with bipartisan support and maintains safeguards such as safe-handling labels, leakproof packaging, and strict temperature standards.

“This is about common-sense reform that supports local food, local economies, and local farmers,” Stelk said. “We thank all our members, allies, and legislative champions who made this possible.”