Harrington poultry farm awarded for environmental stewardship

Poultry farmers John and Linda Brown were recognized during Delaware Ag Week for their efforts to improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff with the 2018 Delaware Environmental Stewardship Award. The Browns’ L&J Farm is located in Harrington, where they raise chickens for Perdue Farm’s Coleman Organic division.

Certified organic, the poultry houses have an attached area where the birds can spend the daylight hours, and they are equipped with windows to let in natural light.

Being environmentally friendly, the Browns harness solar energy to power the farm and utilize an electric car; woods provide a barrier against noise and odors; runoff is treated by a series of stormwater ponds; and all the houses and the manure shed have concrete pads, which are kept very clean. L&J Farm is a perfect example of a beautiful, neighbor-friendly farm.

Nutrient Management Administrator Chris Brosch said, “These farmers practice excellent manure management, proper composting of mortalities and accurate recordkeeping. They also use enhanced conservation practices on the farm as a whole.”