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HJR 328

Memorials, Recognition - Holden Farms, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Grills

HJR 328 honors Holden Farms for sustainable practices, including nutrient management, habitat conservation, and expansion that reduce chemical fertilizer use while boosting soil he

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 328

Summary: House Joint Resolution 328 (HJR 328)

Overview

  • Type: Joint Resolution (ceremonial memorial)
  • Title: Memorials, Recognition — Holden Farms, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association's Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award
  • Purpose: To honor Holden Farms in Obion County for receiving the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award and to commend the farm’s environmental stewardship and sustainable farming practices.
  • Status: Signed by the Governor (March 26, 2025)

What the bill does

  • The resolution expresses formal approval and commendation of Holden Farms for being one of three farms in the United States selected for USPOULTRY’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award.
  • It recognizes the Holden family’s long-standing, multi-generational, family-operated farming operations and their commitment to environmental stewardship, nutrient management, and sustainability.
  • The document highlights Holden Farms’ practices, including:
    • Addition of Holden Barns Partnership (a six-house poultry operation) in 2022, expanding land-use to reduce reliance on commercial fertilizers.
    • Use of poultry litter as an organic fertilizer, implemented under a comprehensive nutrient management plan.
    • Improvements in crop yield and soil health, with increases in micronutrients (copper, sulfur, zinc, magnesium).
    • Strategic litter application (often before wheat planting) with incorporation into soil during sowing.
    • Preservation of natural habitats: woodlands, buffer zones, wildlife plots, ponds, and maintained fence rows to support biodiversity and habitat quality.
    • Conservation of Century Farms status, with Holden Farms currently maintaining five Century Farms and three others on track to achieve Century Farm status in the near term.
  • The resolution also notes the farm’s broader community and environmental contributions.

Who is affected

  • Holden Farms and the Holden family (Kris, Rebecca, Hunter, Hayden) in Obion County, Tennessee.
  • Tennessee agricultural community, particularly poultry and egg producers.
  • Recipients of the award and supporters (e.g., Tennessee Poultry Association, USPOULTRY).

Procedural and timeline context

  • Introduced: March 10, 2025
  • House actions: Engrossed and adopted March 13, 2025; Sponsored/added March 13; Enrolled and ready for the Speaker’s signature March 21; Speaker signatures occurred March 21; transmitted to Senate March 24 for concurrence.
  • Senate actions: Concurred March 20, 2025; signed by Senate Speaker March 24, 2025; transmitted to Governor March 25, 2025.
  • Governor action: Signed into law March 26, 2025.
  • Legal effect: As a ceremonial memorial, the resolution does not create or modify law or authorize spending.

Fiscal/impact note

  • There is no stated fiscal impact or appropriation associated with this memorial resolution. Its effect is ceremonial recognition and public acknowledgment.

Significance

  • The bill underscores the General Assembly’s recognition of exemplary family farm stewardship and environmental practices.
  • It highlights Tennessee’s role in promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, soil health, and long-term farm viability through practical nutrient management and habitat conservation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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