US Poultry Recognizes Environmentally Responsible Practices at International Poultry Expo
SPRINGDALE, Ark. – February 14, 2023 – Two poultry growers for Tyson Foods were awarded the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award by US Poultry during the International Poultry Expo, part of the 2023 International Processing and Production Expo (IPPE).
The winners were chosen from five geographical regions throughout the United States and included a State Poultry Association nomination. Winners representing Tyson Foods were Morrison Poultry out of Wingo, Kentucky, the Southeast Region winner, and Parham Pullets out of Dresden, Tennessee, the State Poultry Association winner.
Both families won their awards for their dedication to managing their farms with environmentally responsible management practices, like litter utilization and management, soil enrichment practices, use of solar panels, innovative technology, and proper ventilation for air quality.
David Parham, owner of Parham Pullets, worked for the Tyson Foods Obion County Complex for many years before owning and operating his own farm in 2018. He started with four pullet barns and in 2021 expanded operations to six pullet barns. In addition to running the family farm, David and his family are very involved in the poultry industry. He’s a board member at the Weakley County Farm Bureau and is part of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, holding the chairman seat on the Poultry Advisory Committee and a member of the Resolutions Committee.
“I take great pride in the work I do for Tyson Foods,” said Parham. “We strive to do the best we can to represent the poultry industry and ensure we go above and beyond to implement sustainable and environmentally responsible practices on our farm that will carry on for generations.”
The Morrison family has been in the poultry business for 24 years. They are members of the Kentucky Poultry Federation and are on Tyson Foods’ Grower Advisory Council. They credit their success to the sustainable practices they implemented on their farm early on.
“I am representing Tyson Foods, and I take great pride in having a clean farm and raising the birds at a high standard,” said Tim Morrison, owner of Morrison farms. “Respecting and taking care of the birds is our top priority, and that includes raising them on a farm that’s sustainable for the future generations of my family.”
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.
###
