Big Valley Farm in Elkins, Ark. was one of six farms across the United States to receive U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award during the 2024 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta. U.S. 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 nutrient management planning, implementation of novel sustainability practices, community involvement, innovative litter or manure 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 poultry associations.

Robert and Jennifer Sizemore raise 53,400 turkeys per flock for Cargill. They began implementing their nutrient management plan in 2012 and prioritized systematically increasing the nutrient levels in their soil. After four years of focusing on improving the health of their soil, they transitioned to selling litter to others in their community and sharing the best practices they learned with their customers. The Sizemores provide the service of spreading the litter for their customers to ensure that the litter is applied correctly. When applying litter, care is taken to rotate application between hay fields and pasture to prevent overapplication.

In order to help control erosion and runoff on their farm, a trench and sediment pond were constructed to help protect the water quality of other ponds and streams on the property. Big Valley Farms has roughly 200 acres of forest that is maintained in a natural state. By preserving this area, as well as removing fallen trees and creating stock ponds, a variety of wildlife are able to use this area. Rotational grazing on the cattle pastures also helps ensure a minimal amount of wasted forage and increases pasture productivity.

Robert and Jennifer are both involved in the Elkins community. Robert serves as president of the Rodeo Board of Madison County, raising awareness of the agricultural industry and providing support for the local FFA. 

Mike Levengood, vice president, Chief Animal Care Officer and Farmer Relationship Advocate for Perdue Farms, past USPOULTRY chair and current USPOULTRY board member, presented the award to Jennifer and Robert Sizemore.