The award is given annually to recognise exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

“It is a privilege to recognise 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 programmes. 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 recognised 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