US Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) sponsors the annual awards in recognition of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

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 programmes.

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 in five regions. Wen-Crest Farms is owned and operated by Steve and Bonnie Wenger.

Wen-Crest Farms, which raises broilers for Tyson Foods, has seven poultry barns that have a total capacity of 370,000 birds per flock.

In addition to raising broilers for Tyson, the farm produces soybeans and corn stover on 2000 acres of land. Wen-Crest Farms utilises a nutrient management plan for applying litter to their land, along with a composting program to dispose of mortality.

The Wengers use a vertical tillage tool to incorporate the litter into the ground to help prevent odour and loss of nutrients due to run-off.

To support wildlife, the Wengers have implemented enhancements, such as Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program buffers, along their stream with trees and fencing to keep livestock out.

They also leave a portion of the crop behind for wildlife during winter. Last year, Wen-Crest Farms was a finalist for the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award.

Sherman Miller, 2015 USPOULTRY chairman and COO for Cal-Maine Foods, Jackson, Mississippi, presented the award to the Wenger family.

The image above shows Steve and Bonnie Wenger receiving the USPOULTRY Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award from Mr Miller at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2015 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta.