Randy and Jordan McCloskey with their three children.
The McCloskey’s Single Silo Farm features four chicken houses which grow about 136,800 chickens per flock. They also farm 500 acres of grain. The couple built the chicken houses a few years ago to help diversify their business, and because they were looking for additional fertilizer options for their crops.
This is the third straight year an Allen Harim supplier farm has won the award.
“The McCloskeys exemplify what young farmers are all about,” said Rory DeWeese, senior director of live operations for Allen Harim. “They are always looking for ways to improve and do more and we appreciate the work they put into their business.”
In presenting the award, Delaware Nutrient Management Administrator Chris Brosch explained why they were chosen.
“As part of their efforts to be good environmental stewards, the McCloskeys have utilized diverse road-side plantings to help reduce dust, control odors, and increase aesthetics; a storm water pond on the farm is fed by seven swales, and they follow a nutrient management plan that utilizes their poultry litter for soil health benefits,” he said.
Brosch went onto say that both Jordan and Randy are industry ambassadors that take time after farming to talk with their neighbors about the antibiotic-free chicken they raise and debunking myths surrounding poultry.
The top award comes with $1,000 cash prize, a lane sign to display on the farm and a plaque.
