A poultry grower for Allen Harim Foods has been honored with the distinguished Delaware Environmental Stewardship Award for his efforts to improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff on his 150-acre farm near Marydel.
Chris Lesniowski has raised poultry since 2014, with a capacity of 252,000 birds per flock. He was nominated by Allen Harim for the state award, which includes a $1,000 cash prize as well as a plaque and a sign for his farm.
Lesniowski created a sediment pond on his farm, installed clean-up pads, planted trees around the property, maintains food plots for deer and turkey, handles bird disposal properly, and practices strict biosecurity, state officials said.
“Chris Lesniowski and his fellow farmers exemplify the virtues of being good environmental stewards, protecting our water and land,” said Nutrient Management Program Administrator Chris Brosch, who presented the award. “Delaware has led the way in nutrient management practices and planning thanks to the work of farmers like these.”
The award was presented during Delaware Ag Week, during an event at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Three runner ups were also honored.
“As a company, we are so proud of our growers and Chris Lesniowski is a great example of that. He’s a young farmer doing the right thing,” said Keith Moore, senior director of live operations for Allen Harim.
“My brother got me interested in growing chickens,” Lesniowski said. His brother, a retired state trooper, also grows poultry for Allen Harim. “We looked at all the business aspects of it and decided to go for it.”
Lesinowski and his wife Krista bought the farm three years ago and relocated from Cecil County.
