Five poultry farms were honored by U.S. Poultry & Egg Association during the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award held at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo. Presented each year, the award recognizes family farmers in poultry and egg production who demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship.
“It is an honor to celebrate the outstanding work these family farms do as stewards of their land,” said Jonathan Cade of Hy-Line International and outgoing USPOULTRY chair. “Our industry’s continued success depends on responsible management of natural resources, and these winners should be commended for their dedication and leadership.”
Applicants were evaluated across multiple criteria, including litter management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement practices, innovative nutrient management strategies and participation in educational or outreach programs. National winners and finalists were selected following a comprehensive review of applications and on-site farm visits conducted by a panel of environmental professionals representing universities, regulatory agencies and poultry associations.
This year, four winners were chosen from four different geographical regions across the United States. In addition, one winner was selected from nominations submitted by State Poultry Associations that support poultry and egg producers across the country. The winners are as follows:
State Poultry Association Nomination winner – B&R Poultry, Barclay, Maryland
Rick and Beth Weaver, nominated by the Delmarva Chicken Association
Southeast Region winner – Quad A Farms, Register, Georgia
Will Anderson, nominated by Claxton Poultry Farms
South Central Region winner – Oak Ridge Farms, Versailles, Missouri
Sammy and Lorraine Hoover, nominated by Cargill
Northeast Region winner – Kreider Farms, Manheim, Pennsylvania
The Kreider Family
North Central Region winner – Riverview Farms, Louisa, Virginia
Steve and Crysti Hopkins, nominated by Cargill
There was also one finalist nominated. The finalist is as follows:
State Poultry Association Nomination finalist – Woolf Farms, Mayfield, Kentucky
Earl “Sonny” Woolf, nominated by the Kentucky Poultry Association
Source: US Poultry & Egg Association
