Celebrating Environmental Excellence in Poultry Farming

During the prestigious International Poultry Expo, an integral part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo, five exemplary poultry farms were honored by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association with the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. This award highlights family-run poultry and egg production operations that demonstrate remarkable dedication to environmental stewardship.

Commitment to Sustainability

“It is an honor to celebrate the outstanding work these family farms do as stewards of their land,” remarked Jonathan Cade of Hy-Line International and outgoing USPOULTRY chair. “Our industry’s continued success depends on responsible management of natural resources, and these winners should be commended for their dedication and leadership.”

Evaluation Criteria

The selection process involved thorough evaluations on various criteria including:

• Litter Management
• Nutrient Management Planning
• Community Involvement
• Wildlife Enhancement Practices
• Innovative Nutrient Management Strategies
• Participation in Educational or Outreach Programs

National winners and finalists were chosen based on a comprehensive review of applications and on-site assessments conducted by a panel of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies, and poultry associations.

2026 Award Winners

This year, four winners were selected from distinct geographical regions across the United States. Additionally, one winner emerged through nominations from State Poultry Associations that support poultry and egg producers nationwide. The winners are:

• State Poultry Association Nomination Winner: B&R Poultry, Barclay, Maryland
  Nominated by the Delmarva Chicken Association – Rick and Beth Weaver
• Southeast Region Winner: Quad A Farms, Register, Georgia
  Nominated by Claxton Poultry Farms – Will Anderson
• South Central Region Winner: Oak Ridge Farms, Versailles, Missouri
  Nominated by Cargill – Sammy and Lorraine Hoover
• Northeast Region Winner: Kreider Farms, Manheim, Pennsylvania
  – The Kreider Family
• North Central Region Winner: Riverview Farms, Louisa, Virginia
  Nominated by Cargill – Steve and Crysti Hopkins

Finalist Recognition

In addition to the winners, one finalist was recognized:

• State Poultry Association Nomination Finalist: Woolf Farms, Mayfield, Kentucky
  Nominated by the Kentucky Poultry Association – Earl “Sonny” Woolf

Conclusion

These awards serve not only to recognize the hard work and commitment of these family farms but also to inspire others in the poultry industry to enhance their environmental practices. For more information, visit the US Poultry & Egg Association.