TUCKER, Ga. — Although poultry litter management has its challenges, its value is real. The nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon contained in poultry litter are highly valuable organic fertilizers that can support other agricultural operations that often occur on poultry and egg farms, which can lessen or entirely remove the necessity of purchasing energy-intensive synthetic fertilizers.
For poultry farms that need a limited supply of fertilizer or none at all, poultry litter can provide an additional source of income for poultry and egg producers. This can additionally provide them with an opportunity to support transforming what would otherwise be a waste product into a valuable resource.
We know from experience, however, that despite its value, the proper management and end use of litter is a critical aspect of every operation.
Earlier this year, a federal judge in Oklahoma ruled that environmental conditions in the Illinois River watershed caused by runoff from poultry operations have not changed since the state of Oklahoma brought a lawsuit against a few poultry companies 20 years ago. This lawsuit and the judge’s long-awaited ruling have impelled the State of Oklahoma to propose a cap and, in some cases, bar the amount of phosphorus that can be land-applied to crops and forage.
Additionally, the recent proposal by the State of Oklahoma would also make poultry companies responsible for long-term watershed restoration, be held liable for legacy phosphorus and be responsible for the removal and disposal of excess litter within the watershed.
The poultry companies contend that the proposed plan lacks regulatory backing and maintain that the existing permitting process provides effective oversight. That position has merit and if the State of Oklahoma feels its permitting process needs improvement, there is an established protocol for proposing and finalizing revisions to its regulations surrounding animal feeding operations.
In addition to the re-emergence of the Illinois River watershed issue, there have been multiple attempts, one being very recent, by environmental groups to push for the removal of the provision in the Clean Water Act to exempt stormwater runoff from normal farming operations from the requirement to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit.
The takeaway from all this is how critical proper management of manure is.
This reality is not new and seeking to provide poultry and egg producers with a tool to assist them with thoughtfully evaluating their farm, the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) developed a two-module program titled “Poultry and Egg Producers Environmental Enhancement and Protection Program (E2P2).”
Module One is an initial facility assessment that addresses elements and mechanisms that can cause negative environmental impacts and discusses the preventative measures poultry and egg producers can take to remove impacts. Module One also includes a worksheet that will allow you to track your facilities’ initial evaluation and document issues that may influence or cause a potential environmental risk so they can be dealt with in an orderly fashion.
Module Two is a series of four videos that discuss the need, requirements and environmental benefit of actively implementing a nutrient management plan developed specifically for an individual poultry and egg farm.
Access to Modules One and Two of the Poultry and Egg Producers Environmental Enhancement and Protection Program is limited to USPOULTRY members. If you are a USPOULTRY member or produce eggs or poultry for a USPOULTRY integrator member and would like to order the Poultry and Egg Producers Environmental Enhancement and Protection Program, you can do so at the following location: https://www.uspoultry.org/training/resources/
In addition, USPOULTRY collaborated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and produce the video, “Why EPA and the States Inspect Farms.” This video provides poultry and egg producers with information that demonstrates what poultry and egg farms can expect if their farms are inspected by the EPA.
This video can be accessed by anyone visiting USPOULTRY’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@USPOULTRY.
What should also be continually recognized is the ongoing commitment demonstrated by poultry and egg producers to protect the environment. To make their allegiance to the environment known, USPOULTRY provides an annual award to family-operated farms around the country that recognize their effort to protect and enhance the environment.
USPOULTRY’s “Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award” evaluates applicants on numerous issues, including litter management protocols, regenerative soil practices, nutrient management planning, mortality management, conservational or wildlife enhancement programs and community involvement efforts that help promote environmental excellence.
The past winners of this award, which will celebrate its 22nd anniversary in 2026, are proof of poultry and egg producers’ commitment to responsibly managing manure.
Awards are presented to family farms in five to six regions across the United States. Any USPOULTRY integrator or egg processor may submit two family farms for each processing facility in each state supporting their operations. Additionally, an independent producer or grower who is a member of a USPOULTRY integrator may self-nominate and each affiliated state poultry association may submit two nominees. Semi-finalists for each region receive an expense-paid trip to attend the International Production & Processing Expo and an award ceremony Jan. 27 and 28 in Atlanta, Ga. Winners for each region will receive a cash award of $1,000.
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2026 Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award is Oct. 24, 2025. Companies or individuals wanting to recognize the notable efforts demonstrated by these family farmers can find an application for the 2026 award at https://www.uspoultry.org/programs/environment/ffee-award/.
With an ever-increasing world population that is demanding more dietary protein, the poultry and egg industry is destined to grow. While this growth may increase the production of litter and the pressures associated with managing it effectively, I am fully certain poultry and egg producers will continue to be responsible and conscientious, even if that means implementing additional existing or new technology to prohibit nutrients from negatively impacting the environment.
Paul Bredwell is executive vice president of regulatory programs with the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association based in Tucker, Ga. He can be reached by e-mail at pbredwell@uspoultry.org.
