For Hickman’s Family Farms, water is a precious commodity. "We don’t want to waste it," says Clint Hickman, the company’s vice president. The idea for recycling wastewater was inspired by the facility’s location: the Arizona desert, where fresh water is a precious commodity, explains Hickman, adding that the Buckeye, Ariz., farm near Phoenix is dependent on well water. Hickman stresses the importance of retaining this fresh water source for drinking.

It was both financially and environmentally justified to recycle the farm’s wastewater for use in compost. The recycling saves the company an average of 1.8 million gallons of water each year.

Important sustainable steps

Hickman’s has taken some important steps toward sustainable operation. Improved wastewater management, manure composting, and the use of natural energy have lessened environmental impact, and helped the business face the many challenges of a competitive industry.

The original decision to begin sustainable practices was a matter of "turning a waste stream into a revenue stream," says Hickman. In the early 1990’s, when facilities grew to house more than 250,000 birds, disposal of manure became a "necessary evil," leading to Hickman’s Fine Fertilizers.

The fertilizer that Hickman’s sells to local golf courses and organic vegetable growers is processed in a plant that composts and pelletizes manure. Moisture for the fertilizer is obtained through the company’s wastewater recycling process. Wastewater, which builds up after cleaning products or keeping the chickens cool, accumulates in evaporation ponds, from which it is pumped out and injected into the compost.

Taking advantage of wind

The company is building a new complex with the chicken houses oriented to face prevailing winds. This could allow the facility to harness the wind to generate air circulation and ventilation, rather than using fans. Hickman estimated that the facility will save the company 30 percent of their energy costs, and reduce labor by 50 percent.

Hickman’s also hopes at some point to begin manufacturing its own recycled paper flats for egg packaging that could further cut costs.

Hickman continually looks to the future for other ways of refining their current practices, for example using solar power as an energy source. "If economically feasible," Hickman states, "we would surely take a look at it." He also mentioned the potential of methane digesters, used to convert organic material into gases and reduce waste volume.

Hickman’s philosophy on sustainability is to help the company "live to fight another day." In a competitive industry, Hickman’s Family Farms understands the importance of sustainable practice—by protecting the facilities and environment, the company will protect its future.