Who won the 2015 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award?

U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized five poultry farm winners and four finalists who received the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the 2015 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta. The award is given in acknowledgment of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.


The five Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners:


1. North Central Region winner – Endless View Farm, Broadway, Virginia
   • Stephen and Jackie Lohr, nominated by Pilgrim’s
2. Northeast Region winner – Wen-Crest Farms LLC, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
   • Steve and Bonnie Wenger, nominated by Tyson Foods
3. Mid Central Region winner – G& J Anderson Ranch, Seligman, Missouri
   • Lindell and Shelly Mitchell, nominated by Cargill Turkey Production, LLC
4. Southeast Region winner – Still Water Farm, Danielsville, Georgia
   • Terry and Deborah Chandler, nominated by Pilgrim’s
5. Southwest Region winner – Schoeneman Broiler Farm, Franklin, Texas
   • Chris and Abby Schoeneman, nominated by Texas Poultry Federation


The four Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award finalists:


1. North Central Region finalist – Round Hill Poultry, Broadway, Virginia
   • Mike and Paula Thompson, nominated by Cargill Turkey Production, LLC
2. Mid Central Region finalist – Bronzwood Farm, Stover, Missouri
   • Kent and Gina Engelbrecht, nominated by Cargill Turkey and Cooked Meats
3. Southeast Region finalist – Upland Farm, Ellaville, Georgia
   • Randy and Deborah Yelverton, nominated by Tyson Foods
4. Southwest Region finalist – Three A’s Farm, Jay, Oklahoma
   • Aaron and Tammie Holcombe, nominated by Simmons Foods
Applicants were 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. 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 state trade associations.
“The U.S. poultry industry has been recognized as a leader in environmental management for many years, and we depend on the efforts of family farmers to sustainably produce poultry and egg products. These five winners and four finalists exemplify the finest of these producers,” said newly elected USPOULTRY chairman Sherman Miller, Cal-Maine Foods, Jackson, Mississippi.