The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Family Farm Environmental Excellence award. This prestigious award honors family-owned poultry growers and egg producers who demonstrate outstanding environmental stewardship in their operations. Eligible nominees include those who supply products to a USPOULTRY member or independent producers who are USPOULTRY members. The deadline for nominations is October 25, 2024.
In January 2024, the award was presented to five distinguished family farms from across the country, each recognized for their commitment to environmental practices in poultry and egg production. The 2024 winners included:
- Linda and John Brown of L & J Farm in Harrington, Del., nominated by the Delmarva Chicken Association
- Mark, Alana, and Sarah Yoder of Brush Creek Henhouse LLC in Leon, Iowa, nominated by the North Central Poultry Association
- Craig and Nancy Miller of Miller Farm in Rockingham, Va., nominated by Cargill
- Josh and Annie McGowin of McGowin Farms in Tuscumbia, Mo., nominated by Cargill
- Tyler and Sarah Isbell of Isbell Family Farms in Mayfield, Ky., nominated by the Kentucky Poultry Federation
- Robert and Jennifer Sizemore of Big Valley Farm in Elkins, Ark., nominated by Cargill
Additionally, Keith and Jeanna Swafford of Swafford Farms in Dresden, Tenn., and Norbert and Susan Gabel of Gabel Farm in Galena, Mo., were recognized as finalists.
Mikell Fries, chair of USPOULTRY and representative of Claxton Poultry Farms, emphasized the importance of the award, stating, "Poultry growers and egg producers are constantly thinking of ways to enhance environmental stewardship on their farms. The steadfast commitment exemplified by our award winners deserves to be celebrated and commended."
Award Details
- Finalists from each region will be invited to attend the 2025 International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), in Atlanta, Ga., with travel expenses and hotel accommodations for two nights covered by USPOULTRY
- Winners will be announced during the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit on January 28, 2025. Each regional winner will receive a $1,000 cash award and be featured on USPOULTRY’s website, with additional promotion through local, regional and national media.
- Winners and finalists will also receive a Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award sign to proudly display on their farm
How to Apply
Nominations can be submitted by USPOULTRY members, affiliated state poultry associations, or individually by poultry and egg producers raising products for USPOULTRY members. Each integrator or egg processor may nominate up to two growers or producers per processing facility in each state of operation. Previous winners are eligible to reapply after a three-year waiting period.
For more information and to access the application, visit the USPOULTRY website at USPOULTRY Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award.
For additional inquiries, contact Paul Bredwell at [email protected] or by phone at 678.514.1973.
