Michael Twining received the Mid-Atlantic Certified Crop Advisor Award for Excellence that was presented in Delaware for the first time. Twining, general manager of the Willard Ag Services Greenwood fertilizer plant, was selected by fellow crop advisors.

Twining provides multiple services to his clients and agriculture throughout Delaware. He is currently the crop advisor for 12 clients. Prior to his role as general manager, Twining advised more than 25 different clients representing approximately 75,000 acres. As a consummate professional, he extends his knowledge beyond his immediate clients to the professional development of the employees he manages. Twining is a passionate, hard-working leader for agriculture and his community.

Mary Bryan, owner and manager of the Mary Bryan Farm in Laurel, received the top 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award. Bryan operates a 60,000-capacity poultry farm and grows poultry for Mountaire Farms. She received a lane sign, plaque and a cash award of $1,000. Bryan started growing chickens in 1983 and her farm is first class. She is passionate about the environment and agriculture.

Other environmental stewardship nominees receiving a lane sign, a plaque and awards of $500 were as follows:

• Matt Tull, owner and manager of Turtlecreek Farm in Seaford. Turtlecreek farm is a 150,000-capacity broiler farm and grows for Allen’s Family Foods. Inc. Beyond water quality stewardship, Tull is currently coordinating with energy companies to hopefully establish solar and wind generation on his farm.

• Ray Tull, owner and manager of Woodpecker Farm in Seaford. Woodpecker Farm is a 194,000-capacity broiler farm and grows for Perdue Farms Inc. Beyond general environmental stewardship, Ray Tull has redesigned his farm by diverting all stormwater to a stormwater pond near his farm.

Each year since 2001, the Delaware Nutrient Management Commission (DNMC) and the Delmarva poultry companies recognize a farmer or farmers whose stewardship and general farm practices contribute to the preservation of the environment, water quality and overall farmland. The commission, Allen Family Foods, Mountaire Farms of Delaware and Perdue Farms implement the program that is funded by the poultry companies operating in Delaware and other agri-businesses. Since 2007, the Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association has participated in the funding and the selection of awardees.

DNMC Chairman Bill Vanderwende said, “The environmental stewardship award is a great opportunity to recognize excellence. Delaware farmers have a proud tradition of protecting our water quality and our environment by continuously implementing recognized best management practices and being active members of their communities.”

DNMC Program Administrator Bill Rohrer said, “The environmental issues farmers are dealing with are greater than ever. It is important to remind everyone of the environmental excellence occurring throughout the state, such as these three poultry farms.”

Criteria considered for the award included general nature of the farming operation; manure and mortality management; best management practices; farm management, innovation, biodiversity and wildlife management; off-farm agricultural related activities; aesthetics; community involvement; and other environmental and agricultural awards.