At the 2012 International Poultry Expo, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association recognized six poultry farms to receive the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. The award is given in acknowledgment of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

"The poultry industry has been recognized as a leader in environmental management for number of years," said newly elected Association chairman Mark Waller, Ingram Farms, Cullman, AL. "We must continue to be diligent overseers of our environment, using current management practices and new technology in sustaining a clean environment. Our family farm environmental excellence competition is another way to highlight our industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship."

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. Applications were reviewed and farm visits conducted by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies, and state trade associations in selecting national winners.

Winners were chosen from six geographical regions from throughout the United States:

Central Region - Hesse Farm, Cole Camp, Missouri

Tom and Gaylene Hesse, nominated by Cargill Turkey Production

North Central Region – Flintrock Farms, Lititz, Pennsylvania

Daniel and Jen Heller, nominated by Tyson Foods, Inc.

Northeast Region – Pine Draft Farm, Augusta, WV

Brian and Kelli Eglinger, nominated by the West Virginia Poultry Association

Southeast Region – Cooley Farms, Roberta, Georgia

Larry Cooley, nominated by Perdue Farms

West Region – Hack Farms, Turlock, CA

Will and Linda Hack, nominated by Foster Farms

Southwest Region – Hillview Farms, Buckholts, Texas

Wayne and Rebecca Hillman, nominated by Texas Poultry Federation