USPOULTRY highlights poultry, egg stewardship

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is releasing a second video in a series highlighting environmental stewardship on poultry and egg farms. The video features one of USPOULTRY’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners, Cooley Farms, of Roberta, Georgia. 
Cooley Farms, owned and operated by Larry and Leighton Cooley, has more than 1,050 acres of land on which chickens and cattle are raised and hay is grown. The farm began operating in 1985 on 70 acres of land with two broiler houses. Over the years, the farm operation grew and evolved, specifically in the area of chicken production. Today, Cooley Farms raises approximately 500,000 chickens per flock on behalf of Perdue Farms, which equates to three million chickens per year in their 18 poultry houses. Litter management is an important part of farm management for the Cooley’s. The farm uses detailed record-keeping to implement precise nutrient management plans. The litter is applied to the land and hay fields at rates needed to maintain appropriate nutrient levels in the soil, and the remainder is sold to other farms.
“We are proud of our farm and strive to ensure we exercise the best environmental management practices possible, said Larry Cooley, Cooley Farms.
“USPOULTRY and our members recognize the importance of exemplary environmental stewardship. We are pleased to be able to provide a video series that highlights how our family farmers achieve this,” commented John Starkey, USPOULTRY president.
Cooley Farms is one of USPOULTRY’s past Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners, recognized for exemplary environmental stewardship by family farms engaged in poultry and egg production. Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners are rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques and participation in education or outreach programs. 
The video can be viewed on USPOULTRY’s YouTube Channel or on USPOULTRY’s website.