Kinston, N.C. (Dec. 7, 2016) — Sustainability and poultry production are not often synonymous with one another, until now. Sanderson Farms’ Kinston, North Carolina facility was recently awarded the 2016 Clean Water Award by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association for its conservation of natural resources, generation of renewable energy, regulatory compliance and employee development and community services.
"We are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to responsible operations, and we are especially appreciative to our employees at our Kinston, North Carolina, facility for their commitment to excellence in operation. Without a commitment to environmental stewardship at Kinston, as well as at all our Sanderson Farms’ facilities, we would not be able to achieve such high levels of environment excellence," said Pic Billingsley, director of development and engineering for Sanderson Farms.
Employing a state-of-the-art land application system, Sanderson Farms uses a variety of high- tech methods to treat its wastewater even before it is discharged onto spray fields to grow hay. From that point, soil filtration further treats it to that of drinking water quality.
In addition to water conservation and recycling wastewater, the Kinston facility utilizes renewable energy captured by refining biogases to pipeline quality natural gas that can be used throughout the facility.
"Sanderson Farms knew that operational excellence would be important, but also that demonstrating its strong sense of values that support the environment, social responsibility and the local area would be critical," said Ben Ferguson, division manager of the Kinston facility.
Along with environmental stewardship practices, Kinston employees are involved in numerous community and volunteer projects that range from highway beautification, to local school and non-profit groups, including the United Way and Red Cross.
About Sanderson Farms
Sanderson Farms, Inc., founded in 1947, is engaged in the production, processing, marketing and distribution of fresh and frozen chicken and other prepared food items. Employing more than 13,000 employees in operations spanning five states and 13 different cities, Sanderson Farms is the third largest poultry producer in the United States. As a company, Sanderson Farms is committed to adopting a fresh approach in everything that we do. Not only where products are concerned, but companywide as well. Though the company has grown in size, it still adheres to the same hometown values of honesty, integrity and innovation that were established when the Sanderson family founded the company back in 1947.