Poultry Federation criticizes attorney general’s actions
A year-end statement from The Poultry Federation sharply criticized Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, warning his continued pursuit of millions of dollars in penalties against poultry growers could force family farms out of business across eastern Oklahoma.
The comments came from outgoing Federation President Marvin Childers, issued one day before his retirement after nearly two decades leading the organization. Childers said the Attorney General’s legal strategy threatens growers who have complied with state regulations throughout the long-running Illinois River watershed lawsuit.
“The Poultry Federation supports efforts to grant a stay in this case, and we believe the poultry companies and family farmers imperiled by Oklahoma Attorney General Drummond’s lawsuit will eventually be vindicated on appeal,” Childers said. “The pressing question is how many family farmers, who have fully complied with state law, will be driven out of business before this flawed decision is corrected.”
Industry seeks stay while appeals move forward
Poultry companies named in the lawsuit have filed a motion for stay with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma and submitted a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. The filings followed U.S. District Judge Gregory Frizzell’s December 19 ruling in the decades-old case involving alleged phosphorus pollution in the Illinois River watershed.
The Federation echoed industry warnings that without a stay, irreparable harm would occur immediately.
Court filings argue that growers who rely on poultry litter as organic fertilizer would be forced to seek alternatives that are more expensive and likely to consist of manufactured chemical fertilizers containing phosphorus. Farmers who sell litter would lose a critical income stream, while poultry companies could be forced to relocate operations, leaving empty barns and economic fallout in rural communities.
Concerns over long-term court oversight
The Federation also raised concerns about the court’s decision to place oversight under a court-appointed special master with broad authority, an unlimited budget, and a potential 30-year term. Industry leaders argue this would replace existing agricultural and environmental regulators with an unelected overseer.
According to court records, no immediate public health emergency exists. Previous findings determined poultry litter use in the watershed posed no risk to human health, and the case itself has been under review for more than 20 years.
Attorney General Drummond has until January 12, 2026, to respond to the motion for stay.
Leadership transition at The Poultry Federation
Childers officially retired one day after issuing the statement, concluding 20 years as president of The Poultry Federation.
“Marvin’s leadership has left an enduring legacy,” said Holly Duval, Director of Marketing and Business Development. “His vision, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the poultry industry have shaped this organization for nearly two decades.”
Blake Rollins, Executive Vice President, praised Childers’ role in expanding the Federation’s influence across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
The Federation announced Rollins will assume the role of President on January 1, 2026, marking a new chapter for the organization as legal challenges continue.