The “Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award” recognizes family farms across the U.S. for their efforts to protect and enhance the environment.
The award is open to any family farmer that produces poultry or eggs for an integrator or egg processor that is a member of USPOULTRY. Additionally, any independent producer or grower who is a member of USPOULTRY may self-nominate and each affiliated state association may submit two nominees.
A 10-person judging committee made of agricultural academic professionals, extension personnel, academia and individuals that work in poultry and egg industry evaluate the applicants in numerous areas, including nutrient management, establishment of wildlife habitats and community outreach that educates the public on the poultry and egg industry.
In addition, applicants are asked to provide information on innovative ways they manage their litter and by-products. The number of novel ideas that have been implemented at the farm level have been remarkable. The array of products developed has ranged from liquid fertilizer formulated for specific uses, such as golf courses and nurseries, to the production of decomposable flowerpots.
Overall winners from each sub-region are selected after two-person judging teams visit each semi-finalist to learn more about the farm on a personal level. Each semi-finalist from five or six sub-regions across the country receive an all-expense paid trip to attend the International Production & Processing Expo in January and an awards ceremony that recognizes their efforts. Overall winners for each sub-region also receive a cash prize of $1,000.
The deadline for submissions for this award is October 25, 2024. To submit a nomination, go to https://www.uspoultry.org/programs/environment/ffee-award/.
Recognizing advancements in sustainability
As the world’s largest poultry organization, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (USPOULTRY) seeks to progressively serve its members on several fronts, one of them being communications. While sustainability has always been at the foundation of agriculture, for too long, the industry failed to convey these principles.
When adversaries to the poultry and egg industry criticize, they often focus on these operations. These awards allow our industry to respond to the one-sided narrative brought by groups that oppose the animal agriculture industry and recognize the outstanding efforts poultry and egg producers make to advance the sustainability of our industry.
Further information on these award programs can be obtained at the following link http://www.uspoultry.org/environment/ or by contacting Paul Bredwell at [email protected].
