Holden Farms in Obion County, Tenn., nominated by the Tennessee Poultry Association, was one of three farms across the U.S. to receive the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s (USPOULTRY) Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award during the 2025 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta. USPOULTRY sponsors the annual awards for exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

Applicants were rated in several categories: nutrient management planning, implementation of novel sustainability practices, community involvement, innovative litter or manure management techniques, and participation in education or outreach programs. A team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies, and state poultry associations reviewed applications and conducted farm visits.

Established in 1997, Holden Farms is a fifth-generation, family-operated farm that is managed by Kris and Rebecca Holden along with their sons, Hunter and Hayden. The family manages 2,085 acres of crops and includes Holden Barns Partnership, a six-house poultry operation that was added to the farm in 2022. Holden Farms currently maintains five Century Farms, which is a program that honors family farmers who have kept continuously owned family land in agricultural production for at least the last 100 years. Three more of the farms the Holden family operates will achieve Century Farm status this year.

Adding the poultry barns has allowed Holden Farms to reduce its reliance on commercial fertilizers. The litter generated on the farm is used as an organic fertilizer and applied on the 2,085 acres they manage following an extensive and highly effective nutrient management plan. The use of poultry litter has led to substantial improvements in both crop yield and soil health, with micronutrients like copper, sulfur, zinc and magnesium showing steady increases. Holden Farms applies poultry litter strategically, often before wheat planting, allowing for incorporation into the soil during the sowing process.

The family is also dedicated to preserving natural habitats and promoting biodiversity on their farms through the maintenance of several acres of woodlands and buffer zones. These areas serve as vital habitats for native wildlife, ensuring that local species continue to thrive alongside agricultural operations. Wildlife plots are carefully planted and maintained to provide a reliable food source for animals during the colder months.

In addition, they manage numerous ponds across their property, which serve dual purposes - controlling runoff and providing a consistent water source for wildlife during dry periods. Despite the challenges fence rows can pose to crops, the family has made the intentional decision to preserve them. These areas support mature hardwood trees, which provide essential habitats for wildlife and contribute to environmental health by producing oxygen.

Bill Griffith, chief operations officer for Peco Foods and USPOULTRY vice chair, presented the award to the Holden family.