Home Background Testimonials Student Programs Adult Programs Video Clips Recent Clients In The News On The Farm Contact Information	Lohr Family Wins National Environmental Excellence Award Jan. 30 - Valley Pike Farm, Broadway, Va., received the Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award at the 2006 International Poultry Expo. The award is given by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association in recognition of exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production. Valley Pike Farm was chosen as the winner from the Mid-Atlantic region. Valley Pike Farm is owned and operated by the Lohr Family: Gary and Ellen Lohr and their son and daughter-in law, Matt and Andrea. Matt and Andrea's two children Caroline and Carson are also part of the family farming team. Valley Pike Farm has been in the Lohr family for over 100 years. The farm consists of four broiler houses on contract with Pilgrim's Pride Corporation. The farm also operates 250 acres of barley, soybeans, corn, hay, pasture, sweet corn, and pumpkins. The Lohr family also raises approximately 30 head of brood cows and background 120 head of feeder cattle through the summer months. The Lohr family constructed their first poultry house in 1981 and since then, they have considered litter management a top priority. Over the past 24 years, the Lohr family has continually improved their nutrient management techniques. Every field is mapped and entered into a spreadsheet, the farm's soil is tested every two years and compared with their nutrient management plan, and every year the Lohrs update their nutrient plan and evaluate which fields can receive litter and at what rate. This plan has enabled the Lohrs to become very efficient in the way their nutrients are dispersed. In 2002, Valley Pike Farm received the "Century Farm" award from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Environmental stewardship at the Lohr farm is best described as" "Preserve, Protect and Educate." The Lohr's passion is educating the public about agriculture in general and poultry growing in particular. They host numerous educational activities for schoolchildren and parents alike. They have hosted issue forums at their farm, including visits by Congressman Bob Goodlatte and the House Agriculture committee. The Lohr's son Matt was recently elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. The Lohr's daughter-in-law Andrea curently serves on the Virginia State Board of Agriculture. The Lohr's have traveled to all 50 states speaking at numerous agricultural events promoting agriculture. Valley Pike Farm was chosen as one among seven other farms around the nation to receive this award. Applicants were rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques, and participation in educational or outreach programs. Award winners received a Family Farm Environmental Excellence trophy; $1,000 cash; an expense paid trip to the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, Ga.; a farm profile on USPOULTRY's Web site, www.poultryegg.org; and USPOULTRY's assistance in publicity distribution.