Riverview Farms of Louisa, Va., was one of five farms across the U.S. 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.

Steve and Crysti Hopkins, owners of Riverview Farms, were recognized following their nomination from Cargill. Riverview Farms is a dry-litter turkey facility situated on 1,250 acres. The farm includes two houses producing about 51,000 birds per flock. Nutrient and runoff management are key priorities across the farm. Winter feeding barns for cattle and a large poultry litter storage facility were added to improve waste control and reduce runoff risk. Manure and litter applications are guided by the Nutrient Management Plan and supported by annual soil testing to ensure proper nutrient use. Pasture ground is managed using rotational grazing to improve soil health, limit erosion and support livestock performance, with nutrient applications carefully matched to crop and forage needs.

Crop production includes pasture, hay and approximately 150 acres of row crops managed with no-till practices, cover crops and crop rotation. Portions of cropland have been converted to perennial grasses, and non-harvestable cover crops are planted on most acres to protect soil and improve organic matter. Conservation efforts extend beyond cropping systems and include stream exclusions, wide buffer zones, tree plantings, managed woodlands and enrollment of hundreds of acres in conservation programs that enhance wildlife habitat and water quality. Through integrated nutrient management, conservation planning and modern production practices, the Hopkins demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term agricultural sustainability.