Logistics and day of processing notes:

Communication

If your batch will be significantly smaller (by more than 50 birds) than originally scheduled, please inform us as soon as possible. This helps us efficiently manage daily capacity and staffing.

Drop Off

Farmers using our processing services must drop off their birds at the DRR Processing dock between 6:15 and 6:45 AM on the scheduled processing day.

📍 Location: 5437 Ganske Rd, Burton, Texas, 77835

  • All drop-offs must be completed by 7:00 AM.

  • If you need to transfer your birds into our crates, please arrive by 6:15 AM to begin loading.

  • Late arrivals past 7:30 AM will incur a $100/hour late fee to offset additional labor costs. This fee is separate from any inspector overtime charges due to tardiness.

Air Chilling & Pickup Information

Why Air Chilling?

Unlike traditional ice water baths, which can cause chickens to absorb excess water, our air chilling system ensures a cleaner, more natural product. This method takes longer than water chilling, which is why most pickups are scheduled for the following business day (e.g., Thursday pickup for a Wednesday slaughter).

Benefits of Air Chilling vs. Ice Water Bath:

  • Little to no water retention – preserves natural flavor and texture

  • Superior taste – no diluted flavors from water absorption

  • Longer shelf life – reduces bacterial exposure

  • Better product integrity – no risk of water-logged or mushy meat

Pickup Guidelines

Pickup is scheduled at least 24 hours after processing and must be arranged in advance.

  • Bring clean ice chests or suitable containers for transport.

  • Ice is required unless using a refrigerated vehicle.

  • DRR Processing is not responsible for transportation arrangements.

  • Your chicken will be vacuum-packaged and ready for freezing upon pickup.

Labeling Information

Our standard label includes:

✔ Your farm logo, name, and contact information

✔ Regulatory language

✔ Pack date, weight, and lot number

Want to include pricing? Note it on your cut sheet.

Need custom labels? Contact our office to discuss additional options.

Cancellations

We understand that unforeseen events in the poultry industry may require rescheduling or cancellations. However, last-minute cancellations impact our ability to plan for staffing and accommodate other farmers.

To address this, we are implementing a $100 cancellation fee for confirmed reservations of 50 or more chickens that are canceled less than 10 days before the scheduled processing date.

Feed Withdrawal & Processing Readiness

Chickens: Remove feed by 12:00 PM (noon) the day before processing

This ensures a cleaner and safer product for you and your customers while also improving our processing efficiency. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in additional fees or loss of processing privileges. Water should remain available to birds during the withdrawal period.

Crate & Transport Requirements

  • All chickens must be in clean, stackable poultry crates.

  • Broken or damaged crates are not allowed (per USDA guidelines).

  • If your crates are in poor condition, your birds will be transferred to our transport crates, and a rental fee will be added to your invoice.

  • Birds must not exceed 10 per crate (depending on bird size) to prevent lifting issues and overcrowding.

  • To assist with bird counting at drop-off, please ensure all crates contain the same number of birds.

Need Crates?

Crate Rentals: DRR Processing offers crate rentals for $3.00 per crate if you need to load your poultry upon arrival.

Crate Purchase Program: We have moved forward with a large Pakster order and will have transport coops available for $68.00 each.

Key details:

  • Lead time: Crates/Coops are arriving soon (we will notify you when they arrive).

  • Colors available: Green, yellow, blue, pink, pink/grey (requests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis).

  • Pickup location: At the plant or Deeply Rooted Ranch (5255 Ganske Rd., Burton, TX 77835) next to DRR Processing.

  • Order process: Please let us know how many crates you need and your preferred and secondary color choices.

  • Share this opportunity: Feel free to share this information with others who may be in the market for transport coops.

📌 About Pakster Transport Coops:

  • Made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for durability and safe handling.

  • 49% open area for superior ventilation, keeping birds healthy during transport.

  • Smoothly rounded door openings minimize bruising and wing injuries.

  • Lightweight yet tough enough for extreme temperatures.

  • Easy to clean and resistant to detergents, disinfectants, and poultry waste.

  • Capacity: Each coop holds 8-10 birds (5-7 lbs. per hen or broiler).

  • Industry-leading door-latch system for long-term durability.

  • Secure stacking system to optimize transportation.

  • Dimensions: 35” x 23.5” x 10.25”

Let us know if you’d like to reserve your crates!