B&R Poultry in Barclay, Md., was one of five farms across the United States to receive the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s (USPOULTRY) Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award during the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta. USPOULTRY sponsors the annual awards to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

Applicants were rated in several categories: nutrient management planning, implementation of novel sustainability practices, community involvement, innovative litter or manure management techniques and participation in education or outreach programs. A team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies and state poultry associations reviewed applications and conducted farm visits.

Rick and Beth Weaver, owners of B&R Poultry, were recognized following their nomination by the Delmarva Chicken Association for their commitment to environmental stewardship. B&R Poultry operates a modern broiler farm with six poultry houses housing approximately 225,000 birds on 100 acres. The operation uses a dry litter system, composting for mortality management and a certified Nutrient Management Plan implemented in 2016 and reviewed annually.

Environmental stewardship was incorporated into the farm’s design, including heavy-use pads, annual litter removal and a forebay and retention pond system for stormwater management. The farm also operates a 360-kilowatt solar field to support on-farm and residential energy needs.

An organic operation that provides birds with access to pasture B&R Poultry emphasizes conservation, innovation and community involvement through grass buffers, pollinator plantings and wildlife-friendly vegetation. Rick serves on the Queen Anne’s County Soil Conservation District board, and the farm participates in educational and outreach programs with the University of Maryland Extension, the Delmarva Chicken Association and industry partners.

Bill Griffith, chief operations officer at Peco Foods and 2026 USPOULTRY chair and Dr. Alice Johnson, senior vice president of food safety, regulatory and animal well-being at Butterball LLC and 2026 USPOULTRY vice chair, presented the award to the Weaver family.