Inspection Required

Meats

Beef, pork, poultry and lamb - Kansas direct-to-consumer guide, 2026

Poultry under 1,000Sell on-farm, no inspection
1,001-20,000 birdsWholesaler license, $25
Other meatInspected plant
Custom exemptOwner use only

What is covered vs. needs a different path

Covered

  • Inspected retail cuts
  • Poultry raised under 1,000 birds per year, sold at your farm
  • Live-animal shares for owner processing

Needs a different path

  • Uninspected red meat sales
  • Custom-exempt meat for resale
  • Poultry over 1,000 birds without license

Three compliance steps

A
Choose route

State-inspected, federal, custom-exempt, or poultry exemption.

B
Process

Use an inspected or licensed facility.

C
Label

Safe handling and inspection legend.

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Poultry, under 1,000/yrSlaughter on farm, sell direct at farm, no registrationKDA
Poultry, 1,001-20,000/yrKDA Meat and Poultry Wholesaler license with poultry exemption ($25 per year)KDA
Red meatInspected or custom-exempt processing rulesKDA / USDA

FAQ

How many birds can I sell?
Under 1,000 per year you may slaughter on your farm and sell direct to consumers at the farm without registration or inspection. From 1,001 to 20,000 you need the KDA license with poultry exemption.

Do I still need to collect sales tax?
Register with the Kansas Department of Revenue. The state rate on food and food ingredients has been 0 percent since Jan. 1, 2025, but local taxes still apply, and prepared food, alcohol, supplements and non-food items remain taxable (KDOR Pub. KS-1223).

Where do I get help?
Contact the regulator named in the table before you sell.

Printable checklist