There are multiple Mobile Processing Units available for rental in NC. Watauga County may not be the closest MPU for you. The NC Department of Agriculture maintains a list of MPUs for rent across the state.

All renters must attend a N.C. Cooperative Extension organized processing training prior to renting the unit for the first time. The next training will be held in June 2026. If you would like to be notified when the training is scheduled, email Kendra at kendra_phipps@ncsu.edu.

Available dates can be viewed at go.ncsu.edu/watmpucalendar. Reservation requests can be submitted online.

Users that have failed to cancel a reservation, or failed to pick up the unit when reserved without communicating with the Extension office in the past 12 months will be required to submit a $25 deposit to hold future reservations.

On this page, you will find helpful information about the mobile processing unit and the rental process.

Rental fees are $50.00 for rentals up to 3 days. The unit is available for rental to anyone who has completed the training course on a first come, first serve basis. It is NOT only available to Watauga County Residents; however, the office reserves the right to direct producers to MPUs located closer to them.

If you have any questions, please email kendra_phipps@ncsu.edu

What’s included?

• Large Poultry Cones - 8
• Kill Cone stand and base - 1
• Featherman scalder with roto-dunker - 1
• Featherman PRO plucker  - 1
• Stainless Steel Table - 1
• Additional Stainless Steel Table - 1
• NSF Certified Water Hose (50 ft) - 1
• 20 gallon trashcan - 1
• Long handled cleaning brush - 2
• Trailer lock and key - 1
• Pad lock and key - 1
• Heat resistant gloves - 1 pair
• Trailer brake light adapter - 1

Renters will need to supply their own propane tank for the scalder. 20 pound propane tanks are compatible. Equipment Manuals and Troubleshooting

Other helpful tips

• Process in a sloped area to assist in drainage
• Set equipment left to right (kill cones/stand then scalder then plucker then evisceration tables)
• Process near a power source to prevent excessive use of drop cords
• Scalder temperature should not be greater than 145F before processing begins -- having a thermometer handy to monitor this is helpful. The scalder water will gradually cool to an appropriate 130F as birds are scalded.
• Use mineral oil or non-stick cooking spray to coat the kill cones and stand prior to processing for easier clean up
• Stick lighters are useful for lighting the scalder
• Laundry baskets, milk crates, or anything similar is useful for catching feathers from the plucker
• At least two hoses will be needed during processing -- one for the plucker and one for the evisceration station