MAYFIELD, Ky. – Woolf Farms of Mayfield, Ky., was honored as a finalist by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) during the annual Family Farm Environmental Excellence Awards at the International Poultry Expo. The event was held in Tucker, Ga., and was part of the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo.

Presented each year, the award recognizes family farmers in poultry and egg production who demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship.

Woolf Farms was nominated by the Kentucky Poultry Association. And recognition for their efforts for environmental stewardship is nothing new. In 2020, the farm captured the Kentucky Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award.

Woolf Farms is owned and operated by Earl “Sonny” Woolf Jr. In 1997, Woolf purchased an existing poultry farm on 67 acres that now includes eight chicken houses. He contracts with Tyson Foods’ Obion County Complex in Union City, Tenn.

Woolf said he and his family were drawn to this particular farm because they could hunt and fish on the property.

“It’s how we like to spend our time when we aren’t farming,” he said. “It’s our own slice of heaven. Farming allows me to work for myself and not have to punch a clock every day. Raising birds for Tyson means a lot to me because they have given me the opportunity to farm and fulfill our dreams, allowing me to work in the agricultural industry and provide for my family.”

While Woolf Farms wasn’t among the top five in the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s honorees for 2026, Woolf said it’s still rewarding to be nominated, adding that it means a lot to him to be recognized for all the daily hard work that goes into running a farm, and he’s honored to be able to make a positive impact on the environment so his children can have a future in farming.

As the poultry industry is ever changing, Woolf continues to make upgrades that are focused on increasing productivity and energy efficiency.

Inside Woolf’s chicken houses, upgrades include LED lights to reduce kilowatts per hour and radiant heaters that use significantly less propane. Woolf also insulates his walls and ceilings.

Outside, Woolf has a pond constructed that is now a natural reservoir that aids in slowing run-off and holds excess water. Buffer zones and gravel drip lines help decrease erosion and increase drainage away from the houses. Water conservation ponds can help enhance the environment by offering a self-sustaining cycle of hydration that keeps plants and local wildlife alive. This also helps maintain soil moisture, even on the hottest days in Graves County.

After construction, semi-permanent straw blankets were used to help control soil erosion. This practice involves the application of organic material to form temporary protective soil covering. Straw blankets can help control runoff and erosion on disturbed land prior to establishment of vegetation.

Another critical component of farm management is good biosecurity practices, which can help reduce the spread of avian disease. Woolf only allows essential visitors on his farm, and they are required to use bleach footbaths, located at the entrance of each house to disinfect footwear. Also, a rodent control program is in place.

Little management of manure, spilled feed, feathers and bedding materials is vital, Woolf said. The farm sells 90 percent of its poultry litter to local row crop farmers for fertilizer and keeps the other 10 percent to fertilize his own 40 tillable acres for crops. Woolf takes litter samples for land application for analysis to help maintain a balance of nutrients in the soil.

“It is an honor to celebrate the outstanding work these family farms do as stewards of their land,” said Jonathan Cade, outgoing USPOULTRY chair. “Our industry’s continued success depends on responsible management of natural resources, and Woolf and the others should be commended for their dedication and leadership.”

Applicants were evaluated across multiple criteria, including litter management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement practices, innovative nutrient management strategies and participation in educational or outreach programs.

National winners and finalists were selected following a comprehensive review of applications and on-site farm visits conducted by a panel of environmental professionals representing universities, regulatory agencies and poultry associations.