The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) is now accepting nominations for the 2027 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. 23.

In January 2026, the award was presented to five distinguished family farms in various regions of the country. Additionally, an award was presented to a State Poultry Association nominee. The winners were Will Anderson of Quad A Farms in Register, Ga., nominated by Claxton Poultry Farms; Sammy and Lorraine Hoover of Oak Ridge Farms in Versailles, Mo. Nominated by Cargill; The Kreider Family of Kreider Farms in Manheim, Penn.; and Steve and Crysti Hopkins of Riverview Farms in Louisa, Va., nominated by Cargill. Rick and Beth Weaver of B&R Poultry in Barclay, Md., nominated by the Delmarva Chicken Association, were the State Poultry Association winners.

Additionally, one family was recognized as a State Poultry Association Nomination finalist – Earl “Sonny” Woolf of Woolf Farms in Mayfield, Ky., nominated by the Kentucky Poultry Association.

Nominations for the 2027 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 Bill Griffith, Peco Foods and USPOULTRY chair.

Finalists from each region will receive a trip that includes travel expenses and hotel accommodations for two nights to attend the 2027 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. 26, 2027. 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 2027 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award competition, contact Paul Bredwell at pbredwell@uspoultry.org or by telephone at 678.514.1973.