U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized twelve poultry farms that were nominated for the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2020 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 twelve 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 six winners and six finalists are to be commended for their efforts,” said Greg Hinton, Rose Acre Farms, Seymour, Indiana, 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 five geographical regions throughout the United States. In addition, a new State Poultry Association nomination was added this year. The winners are as follows:
State Poultry Association Nomination winner – M&C Anderson Pullets, Sioux Rapids, Iowa
Marvin and Colleen “Coke” Anderson, nominated by the Iowa Poultry Association
North Region winner – Michael & Heather Lewis, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Michael and Heather Lewis, nominated by Tyson Foods
Northeast Region winner – Lambertson Family Farms, Pocomoke, Maryland
Wayne, Jason and Logan Lambertson, nominated by Tyson Foods
South Central Region winner – Mishler Turkey Farm, Seymour, Missouri
John and Carla Mishler, nominated by Cargill
Southeast Region winner – Blake Farms of North Carolina, LLC, North Wilkesboro, N.C.
Chad Blake, nominated by Tyson Foods
Southwest Region winner – C3 Farms & Poultry, LLC, Caldwell, Texas
Jamie and Sherri Chmelar; Boelden and Leann Chmelar, and Natalie Chmelar Zgabay, nominated by Sanderson Farms
There were also six finalists recognized at the award presentation. They are as follows.
State Poultry Association Nomination finalist – Gray Poultry Company, Union City, Tennessee
Matthew and Colby Gray, nominated by the Tennessee Poultry Association
North Region finalist – Stephen Purlee Farm, Salem, Indiana
Stephen Purlee, nominated by Tyson Foods
Northeast Region finalist – Twin Maples Farm, LLC, Ridgely, Maryland
David and Spring Tribbett, nominated by Amick Farms
South Central Region finalist – Dalen Bell Farm, Tuscumbia, Missouri
Dalen Bell, nominated by Cargill
Southeast Region finalist – Hillcrest Farm, Hanceville, Alabama
Mike and Karen Hill, nominated by Tyson Foods
Southwest Region finalist – R&T Farm, Mulberry, Arkansas
Terry and Robin Fisher, nominated by Cargill
