U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized four poultry farm winners and four finalists who received the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2019 International Production & Processing Expo. The award is given annually to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.
“It is a privilege to recognize these eight family farms for the excellent job they do in being good stewards of their land. Our industry could not continue to function and thrive without taking proper care of our natural resources. These four winners and four finalists are to be commended for their efforts,” said John Prestage, Prestage Farms, Clinton, N.C., and newly elected USPOULTRY chairman.
Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques and participation in education or outreach programs. In selecting the national winners and finalists, applications were reviewed and farm visits conducted by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies and poultry associations.
The winners were chosen from four geographical regions throughout the United States. They are as follows:
Central Region winner – Ryan Looten Farm, Olean, Missouri
Ryan Looten, nominated by Cargill
South Central Region winner – Round Hill Poultry, Broadway, Virginia
Mike and Paula Thompson, nominated by Cargill
Southeast Region winner – Foster Farms, Inc., Seneca, S.C.
Stacy Foster, nominated by Fieldale Farms
Southwest Region winner – Featherhill Farms, Elkins, Arkansas
Bud and Darla Oneal, nominated by Cargill
There were also four finalists recognized at the award presentation. They are as follows:
Central Region finalist – Mishler Turkey Farm, Seymour, Missouri
John and Carla Mishler, nominated by Cargill
South Central Region finalist – Triple Cross Farms, Mayfield, Kentucky
Clint and Kelly Harris, nominated by Tyson Foods and the Kentucky Poultry Federation
Southeast Region finalist – Front Runner Farm, Elberton, Georgia
Many and John Williams, nominated by Fieldale Farms
Southwest Region finalist – Spurrin’ S Farms, Gatesville, Texas
Jordan and Megan Shepherd, nominated by the Texas Poultry Federation
