The Poultry Federation issued the following statement today after 11 poultry companies filed a joint brief and proposed judgment in State of Oklahoma v. Tyson Foods, Inc. et al., a case with sweeping implications for agriculture in eastern Oklahoma:
“The Poultry Federation stands firmly with Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers as the poultry industry seeks the court’s review of its brief and entry of its proposed judgment,” said Marvin Childers, president of the Poultry Federation. “The Attorney General’s proposal threatens to shut down a farming practice that has safely fed American families for generations. It targets the use of poultry litter, a safe and natural fertilizer, despite decades of expert evidence and state-approved best management practices. Oklahoma’s farmers and private landowners, from grain and cattle producers to fruit growers, have consistently adhered to regulatory guidelines.”
Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s request would extend far beyond poultry producers, seeking a complete ban on the use of poultry litter as fertilizer on any field over 65 STP in “nutrient-sensitive” watersheds—regardless of the farm’s operation, history of compliance, or lack of environmental harm.
“While the vast majority of fields have no measurable impact on water quality, the State’s universities and leaders have recognized poultry litter as a critical resource for maintaining productive agriculture,” Childers continued. “Oklahoma’s agencies report improving water quality within the Illinois River Watershed. Even Oklahoma’s state legislature recognized the safety of poultry litter by approving its use at levels far higher than what the Attorney General now claims is dangerous.”
The poultry industry’s brief and proposed judgment underscores that science-based regulation and full compliance—not vague assumptions—should remain the standard. It warns against government intrusion on private property and rejects liability for landowners when the state’s evidence fails to demonstrate specific environmental harm.
Drummond’s proposal would also appoint a “Special Master” with sweeping authority to access private property, impose costly mandates, and exercise oversight powers, bypassing normal regulatory channels. This unchecked power grab would upend decades of stewardship, drive up food and operational costs, and unravel Oklahoma’s agricultural economy from the ground up.
“Oklahoma families shouldn’t have to choose between protecting our environment and protecting our rural economy—especially when the science shows we can do both,” Childers continued.
The Poultry Federation remains committed to ongoing collaboration, conservation, and the stewardship of private land that has defined Oklahoma agriculture for generations.
