The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award. This award recognizes family farmers who demonstrate exceptional environmental stewardship in poultry and egg production. Eligible nominees include family-owned poultry growers or egg producers who supply products to a USPOULTRY member or are independent producers that are USPOULTRY members. The deadline for nominations is Oct. 24.
In January 2025, the award was presented to two distinguished family farms in various regions of the country. Additionally, an award was presented to a State Poultry Association nominee. The winners were Kenneth and Elaine Nolt of Lakeview Poultry LLC in Versailles, Mo., and Keith and Jerri Mitchell of MBK Farms in Colcord, Okla., both nominated by Cargill. Kris and Rebecca Holden of Holden Farms in Obion County, Tenn., were the State Poultry Association’s nominators and were nominated by the Tennessee Poultry Association.
Additionally, one family was recognized as a finalist – Norbert and Susan Gabel of Gabel Farm in Galena, Mo., nominated by Cargill.
Nominations for the 2026 award can be submitted by USPOULTRY members, affiliated state poultry associations, or individually by poultry and egg producers that raise poultry or produce eggs for USPOULTRY members. Each integrator or egg processor may nominate two growers or producers per processing facility in each state where they operate. Previous winners must wait three years before reapplying.
“Poultry growers and egg producers keep environmental stewardship on their farms at the forefront of their sustainability efforts. The dedication embodied by our award winners is worthy of celebration,” said Jonathan Cade, Hy-Line International and USPOULTRY chair.
Finalists from each region will receive a trip that includes travel expenses and hotel accommodations for two nights to attend the 2026 International Poultry Expo, part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE), in Atlanta, Ga. Winners and finalists will also receive a Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award sign to display on their farm, recognizing their accomplishment.
Regional winners will be announced at a special ceremony during the Animal Agriculture Sustainability Summit, held in conjunction with IPPE, on Jan. 27, 2026. Each regional winner will receive a $1,000 cash award and will be featured on USPOULTRY’s website, with the Association assisting in promoting the award in local, regional and national media.
The application and competition details are available on the USPOULTRY website at https://www.uspoultry.org/programs/environment/ffee-award/. You can also view some of the past Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners here.
For more information on the 2026 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award competition, contact Paul Bredwell at [email protected] or by telephone at 678.514.1973.
USPOULTRY recognized three Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners during the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2025 IPPE. (Left to Right) Pictured are Jonathan Cade, Hy-Line International and USPOULTRY chair; Mikell Fries, Claxton Poultry Farms and past USPOULTRY chair; Kris and Rebecca Holden, Holden Farms, State Poultry Association Nominee winner; Jerry and Keith Mitchell, MBK Farms, Southwest Region winner; Kenneth and Elaine Nolt, Lakeview Poultry LLC, South Central Region winner; and Bill Griffith, Peco Foods and USPOULTRY vice chair.
