MEMBERSHIPNEWS
The Alabama Poultry Monthly • 2002
Hodges Farm Receives Family Farm
Environmental Excellence Award

     On Thursday, January 17, David
and Martha Hodges of Guntersville,
Ala. were awarded the U.S. Poultry &
Egg Association Family Farm Envi-
ronmental Excellence Award for 2002.
They received the award along with
five other recipients at a ceremony
held during the International Poultry Exposition at the Georgia World
Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.
     Hodges Farm consists of six poultry houses and manages over 700 acres of owned and leased land. The farm setting, nestled one mile from beautiful Lake Guntersville and the scenic State Park, made environmental stewardship a pre-requisite in the family’s mind when they

                  purchased the farm in the mid-90s.
                       The hallmarks of Hodges Farm are                   forethought, creativity, and attention                   to detail. Available and was leased                   to ensure an agronomical sound use                   of litter. Creative in-house imposting
                  techniques were employed to reduce                   litter volume and accurate and                   complete records are made on all                   aspects for farm operation, with particular emphasis on nutrient management.
     Six regional winners were chosen from applicants across the nation. A review committee carefully screened each application
package. They then selected six semi-finalists
in each region. Representatives of the review
committee then conducted an on-farm visit to
each of the semi-finalists, and selected the
award winner in each region.
     Applicants were rated in several
categories, including dry litter or liquid
manure management, nutrient management
planning, community involvement, wildlife
enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient
management techniques and participation in
educational or outreach programs. The growers and producers recognized in this award are those who have gone “above and beyond” with respect to environmental stewardship.
      David and Martha Hodges are deserving recipients of the award for the Mid-South region and AP&EA would like to congratulate Hodges Farm on this well deserved award.