Blake Farms among six honored in U.S.

The award recognizes exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production. Twenty-one farms nationwide were considered for the awards, which have been presented annually for 18 years.

Applicants were rated on manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques and participation in education and outreach programs. A team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies and state poultry associations toured the competing farms.

Blake Farms, which raises broilers for Tyson Foods Inc., is a family-owned farm involving three generations.

Soil and manure on the farm are tested annually to ensure that nutrients  are applied in a manner that is of the greatest benefit to soil and crops, stated a press release. The farm has field borders, grass waterways, strip cropping, areas with trees and utilizes no-till practices to maximize crop production and reduce nutrient loss, water runoff and soil erosion.

The Blakes have been honored in the past for conservation practices on their farm, which is utilized as a place of commerce and community for neighbors and friends.

Boy Scout Troops, 4-H groups and educational clubs regularly visit the farm. Educational tours are held there and representatives of the farm speak about sustainable farming and poultry operations in the classes of local schools.

Members of the Blake family serve on N.C. Farm Bureau boards at the county and state levels, as well as on Voluntary Ag District, N.C. Corn Growers Association and local medical and community center boards.

“The Blakes have a tradition of thoughtful and deliberate environmental stewardship and are dedicated to ensuring that those traditions are passed on to the next generation,” said Mike Levengood, vice president, chief animal care officer and farmer relationship advocate for Perdue Foods and vice chairman of the U.S. Poultry board.

“As farmers, they recognize that their lives and livelihood depend on a healthy environment, and they are uniquely positioned to care for the land and conserve the resources that are vital to their communities.”