The most recent agricultural survey performed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) identified the operation of roughly 43,000 farms that raise broilers, 35,000 pullet farms, 23,000 farms that raise turkeys and more than 3,000-layer farms with 10,000 or more layers on the farm. Their contribution to the world food production system is unmistakable; however, this sector’s link in the animal protein value chain is often overlooked.

Contrary to a narrative commonly expressed by groups that don’t subscribe to including animal proteins in their diets, most of these farms are privately owned farms run by families.Non-industry-friendly groups often use the term “factory farm” in their messaging to conjure up a vision of artificial and unconnected farming practices. 

However, the truth is the farms that raise poultry for companies that harvest these animals for human consumption are, in fact, the idyllic farms people commonly envision. These families live and work adjacent to or near the poultry houses they operate. The care they provide for the birds, the protection of the environment on their farms and their contributions to the communities they live in are clear.

Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award

To recognize these unwavering commitments, USPOULTRY will hold the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award for the 22nd consecutive year

This award competition is open to any family farmer who 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 poultry and egg association may submit two nominees.

Applicants are evaluated on numerous issues, including nutrient management, establishment of wildlife habitats and community outreach that educates the public on the poultry and egg industry.Additionally, applicants are asked to provide information on innovative ways they manage their flocks, litter and byproducts.

The number of novel ideas displayed by these family farms over the history of this award program has been remarkable.An array of products developed by poultry and egg producers has ranged from liquid fertilizer formulated for specific uses on golf courses and nurseries, the production of pelletized fertilizer inoculated with bacteria to increase its efficacy, and the production of decomposable flowerpots.

Typically, two semi-finalists are selected from four or five sub-regions across the country. Each semi-finalist receives an expense-paid trip to attend the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in January and an awards ceremony that recognizes their efforts. The overall winner for each sub-region also receives a cash prize of $1,000.

USPOULTRY encourages its integrator members, state poultry associations and its independent producers or grower members to apply for the award program. Applications can be downloaded from the USPOULTRY website at https://www.uspoultry.org/programs/environment/ffee-award/ and feel free to contact Paul Bredwell at [email protected] with any questions.