McGowin Farms in Tuscumbia, Mo. 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 manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques, and participation in education and outreach programs. Applications were reviewed and farm visits conducted by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies and state poultry associations.

The McGowins grow 10,000 turkeys per flock for Cargill. They began implementing their nutrient management plan in 2018 and use a combination of composting and heat treatment to prepare litter for spreading. Some of the litter is used on the McGowin’s own land, while additional litter is sold to other farmers for use in their fields. In the future they plan to pelletize their litter for more economical transportation, and they are also investigating ways to remove phosphorous from litter to serve a wider customer base.

To make their poultry houses more sustainable and environmentally friendly, the McGowins installed heat exchangers in their barns. Also cattle ranchers, the McGowins have implemented rotational grazing to improve soil quality and reduce erosion. In addition to the poultry and cattle farm, Annie and Josh have an 86-acre farm that is solely dedicated to preserving wildlife. It is home to wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, rabbits and much more.

Josh and Annie are deeply invested in their community. Annie serves as treasurer for the local FFA alumni chapter, helping ensure that local students have a consistent resource for their educational needs. The McGowins have also served on the local 4-H board for the past two years, helping to drive initiatives to support the 4-H program.

Jonathan Cade, president of Hy-Line International and vice chair for the USPOULTRY board of directors, presented the award to Annie and Josh McGowin.