U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) has released the fourth installment of their video series highlighting environmental stewardship on poultry and egg farms. The latest video will feature Meiring Poultry Farm of Ft. Recovery, Ohio one of USPOULTRY’s Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners.

The 250 acre farm, owned and operated by Bill and Janet Knapke, offers four pullet houses for layers, with a total capacity of 330,000 birds. The family also produces row crops, and operates pullet houses for Cooper Farms.

Meiring Poultry Farm utilizes a nutrient management plan with 100 percent of their litter sold to a third party, and uses a composter for chicken mortality. The farm has taken several proactive measures to prioritize the protection of the land and preservation of wildlife, including the installation of field borders, filter strips, wetlands, windbreaks and other general tree planting, and participation in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Conservation Reserve Program and Wetland Reserve Program.

“We are a third-generation farm and are proud of the work we do on our farm. It is how we earn our living, and we make every attempt to incorporate the best environmental management practices possible in our operations,” said Bill Knapke, Meiring Poultry Farm.

Meiring Poultry Farm was recognized for exemplary environmental stewardship by family farms engaged in poultry and egg production. Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award winners are rated in several categories, including dry litter or liquid manure management, nutrient management planning, community involvement, wildlife enhancement techniques, innovative nutrient management techniques and participation in education or outreach programs.