Brush Creek Henhouse LLC in Leon, Iowa 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 Yoders produce eggs, housing 20,496 cage free hens. The hens have access to 52 acres of pastureland around the barn, seeded with perennial grasses and alfalfa that is harvested and used as forage for cattle. At the conclusion of each flock, litter is removed from the henhouse and stored in a barn until it can be land-applied in accordance with acceptable weather conditions. When applied, litter is spread using Global Positioning System technology to ensure it is not over-applied.

In addition to producing cage free eggs, the Yoders also cultivate row crops, raise beef cattle and produce custom forage. As stewards of the land, they use no-till farming practices, cultivate cover crops on 100% of their farmland, and build terraces across their property to control erosion.

The Yoders donate eggs to their local food pantry and also supply eggs to others in their community. They serve as a resource for other poultry industry members interested in becoming more sustainable. As active members of the Salem Mennonite Church, Practical Farmers of Iowa, the North Central Poultry Association, and their local homeschool group, the Yoders are heavily invested in their local community.

Jonathan Cade, president of Hy-Line International and vice chair for the USPOULTRY board of directors, presented the award to Alana, Sarah and Mark Yoder.