US turkey producer wins environmental award

Westbrook Brothers Farm, a Butterball LLC turkey producer, was presented the Environmental Award by the North Carolina Poultry Federation (NCPF) during the annual industry awards banquet held Aug. 11 in Greensboro, NC.

“It is a great honor for our farmers to be recognized by such a highly regarded community of industry professionals,” said Walter Pelletier, president of Maxwell Farms LLC and corporate secretary of Butterball LLC. “Butterball and its network of dedicated family farmers proactively work together to maintain corporate social responsibility standards and reduce environmental impact through innovative technologies and conservation initiatives that involve the reduction, reuse or recycling of materials all the while maintaining the health and well-being of the birds.”

The Westbrook’s utilise a number of best-management practices to help protect the environment and conserve resources on their farm. By using an expanded litter shed for storage, the Westbrook’s help to assure that litter is applied under proper, environmentally suitable conditions. Further, their litter storage program allows the farmers to implement a farm nutrient planning management plan that ensures maximum return from off-farm fertiliser resources, efficient use of nutrients and protection of water quality.

“As fourth-generation family farmers, we hold environmental stewardship as a top priority in order to protect the future of our land, resources, animals and community,” said Eldridge Westbrook, co-owner of Westbrook Brothers Farm. “No matter how small or large the task is, implementing sustainable practices helps us contribute to a healthy, safe and clean environment and we are proud to grow turkeys for a company that shares our commitment to these initiatives.”

With the help of Goldsboro Milling, Co., Westbrook Brothers Farm, located in Four Oaks, NC, began producing turkeys in 1974 and now has the capacity to house up to 40,000 turkeys.