The economic uncertainty of today has spurned an increased interest in home gardening and canning or freezing food. There also has been interest from people in producing their own eggs and poultry.

Locally grown food is becoming more and more popular because we all realize that it is generally better for us, and buying locally keeps money in our communities, which is a win-win for everyone.

Raising poultry is something that can be done by the average person. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure you are aware of any regulations in your neighborhood which would keep you from legally raising poultry.

Also, be mindful of your neighbors and the commercial poultry producers who live around you. You do not want to be considered a nuisance to others or a biosecurity risk to commercial producers who are making a living in the poultry industry.

The key to success in anything is doing your homework. You have to know what you are getting yourself into before you make the plunge.

UGA Cooperative Extension has many on line resources that can help you learn about raising poultry.

On June 19, I will host a program that will cover in detail the ins and outs of raising backyard poultry. I plan to have Dr. Casey Ritz come to teach a class on the basic management, housing, feeding and other important topics you need to learn about raising poultry.

Even if you already have birds, this program will provide you with a good refresher and a chance to ask questions about any problems you might be having.

The program will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Hall County Farm Bureau meeting room. Farm Bureau is located on Limestone Parkway at 2405 Lighthouse Manor Drive in Gainesville. Please give the office a call to RSVP or if you have any questions.

Michael Wheeler is county extension coordinator for the UGA Cooperative Extension in Hall County. Contact him at 770-535-8293, www.hallcounty.org/extension. His column appears weekly and on gainesvilletimes.com/life.