U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) recognized three poultry farms that were nominated for the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo. The award is given annually to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

“It is an honor to celebrate the outstanding job these family farms do in being good stewards of their land. Our industry could not continue to perform and prosper without taking proper care of our natural resources. These three winners are to be commended for their efforts,” remarked Mikell Fries, Claxton Poultry Farms, and outgoing USPOULTRY chair.

Applicants were rated in several categories, including litter management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques and participation in education or outreach programs. In selecting the national winners and finalists, applications were reviewed, and farm visits conducted, by a team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies and poultry associations.

This year, two winners were chosen from two different geographical regions across the U.S. 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 – Holden Farms, Obion County, Tennessee 
Kris and Rebecca Holden, nominated by the Tennessee Poultry Association

South Central Region winner – Lakeview Poultry LLC, Versailles, Missouri
Kenneth and Elaine Nolt, nominated by Cargill

Southwest Region winner – MBK Farms, Colcord, Oklahoma
Keith and Jerri Mitchell, nominated by Cargill

There was also one finalist nominated. The finalist is as follows:

South Central Region finalist – Gabel Farm, Galena, Missouri 
Norbert and Susan Gabel, nominated by Cargill