The U.S. Poultry & Egg Assn. (USPOULTRY) is releasing the sixth video in a series highlighting environmental stewardship on poultry and egg farms. The video features one of USPOULTRY’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners, Bullard Farms in Stedman, N.C.

Collins Bullard and his wife, Alison, own a 1,500-acre farm with eight turkey houses and grow 180,000 tom turkeys a year for Prestage Farms. They also raise pigs and grow corn, wheat, soybeans and hay.

All of the litter produced by their turkeys are used on their crops. This has allowed the Bullards to increase profitability by eliminating the need for commercial fertilizer. They remove the litter after each flock and store the litter until it can be applied according to their nutrient management plan. Their storage facility is covered and off the ground to protect groundwater and prevent runoff of nutrients.

The Bullards use a forced-air compost facility that can hold 90,000 lb. of mortality at any given time. The use of global positioning systems allows Bullard Farms to apply litter in specific areas that need it versus applying litter to the entire field. The farm has implemented a phosphorus-based nutrient management plan since it started raising turkeys in 2006.

"My family has been farming for five generations, and a lot of changes have occurred over the years. Searching for new and better ways to farm has helped us to strive to use the best environmental management practices possible," Collins Bullard said.

“USPOULTRY and our members know the significance of exemplary environmental stewardship. We are pleased to be able to provide this video series highlighting the environmental efforts of our family farmers,” said USPOULTRY chairman Jerry Moye, retired president of Cobb-Vantress.

Bullard Farms was recognized for exemplary environmental stewardship by family farms engaged in poultry and egg production. Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners are 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 education or outreach programs.