U.S. Poultry & Egg Association recognized five poultry farms for the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Awards during the 2010 International Poultry Expo. The award is given in recognition of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.
MPA Member John Logan of Brinson Farms in Prentiss, MS, won the award for the Southeastern Region. Brinson Farm’s was able to edge out the competition in our region with their innovations for litter management practices in place on the farm. They built an anaerobic digester that digests the mortality and litter from the farm. They collect the methane gas from the digestion process and use the gas to run a specially-built generator to supply the electrical needs of the farm. The excess electrical power produced using this process is sold back to the power company. By handling their litter in this manner, they virtually ensure no run off of phosphorus to U.S. waters, making them an environmentally sound operation.
Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management strategies, and participation in education or outreach programs. Applications are reviewed and farm visits are conducted by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies, and state trade associations in selecting national winners. Winners were chosen from five geographical regions throughout the U.S.:
SOUTHEAST REGION: Brinson Farms, Prentiss, Mississippi John Logan, Bettye Brinson Logan and Virginia Mikell Brinson, nominated by Tyson Foods and Mississippi Poultry Association
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION: Backes Farms, Eldon, Missouri Glenn & Tracy Backes, nominated by Cargill Turkey Products
SOUTHWEST REGION: Hibbard Farms, Adair, Oklahoma Clay & Melissa Hibbard, nominated by Tyson Foods
NORTH CENTRAL REGION: New Day Farms, Raymond, Ohio Steve Bliesner, nominated by Ohio Poultry Association
NORTHEAST REGION: Evans Poultry, Dorcas, West Virginia Allen & Beverly Evans, nominated by Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation