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On Farm Sustainability: A Poultry Growers Perspective

On Farm Sustainability: A Poultry Growers Perspective. Arthur Halterman Baker, West Virginia. Lost River – Native Trout Stream Lost River becomes “lost” near Wardensville, WV Resurfaces in Wardensville about 3 miles away Drains to Chesapeake Bay Largest poultry producing watershed in State.

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On Farm Sustainability: A Poultry Growers Perspective

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  1. On Farm Sustainability: A Poultry Growers Perspective Arthur Halterman Baker, West Virginia

  2. Lost River – Native Trout Stream Lost River becomes “lost” near Wardensville, WV Resurfaces in Wardensville about 3 miles away Drains to Chesapeake Bay Largest poultry producing watershed in State Watershed Facts

  3. History of Family on Farm • Family ownership of the farm – 1932 • Grandfather raised poultry, cattle, sheep & hogs • Father began farm operations in 1952 • I began operating the farm in 1986

  4. History of Poultry on Farm • Grandfather started as an independent poultry grower, then began raising birds for Shawnee Milling Co of Petersburg, WV. • Father started out with broilers. Switched to turkeys with Shawnee and then with Rockingham, Rocco and WLR.

  5. My Role on the Farm • Raised broilers for Rocco while in college • After taking over farm, I brooded range turkeys for Rocco • In 1991, I began rising breeders for WLR- now Pilgrim’s Pride

  6. Current Operation Overview • Raise 15,000 breeders in 2 houses • 70 head of beef cattle • 140 acres of grassland • 190 acres woodland • 7 acres of riparian area and wetlands

  7. Community Involvement • 2008 US Egg and Poultry Association Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award • 2006 WV Poultry Association Environmental Award Winner • 2003 Recipient of WV Primary Environmental Educator • Member of WV Farm Bureau and WV Poultry Association • Active Ruritan and Parks Commissioner

  8. EnvironmentalPractices • One of first producers to sign up for Potomac Land Treatment Watershed Project (PL-534) • Litter shed & composter • Partnership between federal, state and local governments to make water quality improvements to the land within the Potomac River Drainage

  9. Potomac Headwaters Land Treatment Watershed Project (PL534) • 10 Year Project completely voluntary participation addressing nutrients within Potomac Valley • Special allocation of money though legislation • Focused on manure and nutrients from livestock operations

  10. PL-534 Accomplishments • $14 M dollars worth of agricultural improvements on over 300 ag operations • Nutrient management, waste storage, buffers, relocation of livestock feeding areas

  11. Halterman Voluntary Practices • Maintaining manure spreader calibration • Preserving riparian buffers in hay fields • Sustaining practices from past programs • Integrated Pest Management • Storm water management around poultry houses

  12. CREP • Signed up for CREP in 2005 • 3840 Feet of stream bank fencing • Planted 850 trees • Partnered with US Fish and Wildlife partners for Wildlife to install 5.2 acres of riparian buffer • ½ mile of stream bank protected • ½ acre riparian tree planting • Partnering with Cacapon Institute to monitor and perform research on low cost deer fence project

  13. Environmental Practices are Important • Commitment to lifelong teaching about agriculture and the environment • Goal is to leave land in better condition for next generation • Showing others that farmers are committed to protecting the environment will help guard the farming community from future regulations • There can be a partnership between the agricultural and environmental community

  14. Future Practices • Looking at alternative energy such as solar or wind • Working to coordinate voluntary buffers on 7,300 linear feet of small stream in Baker community • Designating 7 acres of streamside property to be used as “outdoor classroom” for schools and community to promote environmental education

  15. Baker Run Conservation Society • Founded one of the first watershed associations in the State of WV • Currently serving as President of this group • Partnering with many groups to bring educational opportunities and make environmental improvements within the watershed

  16. Chesapeake Bay and WV Farmers • Local farmers were involved in the Chesapeake Bay program and working in developing the local tributary strategies • Farmers are willing to improve local watersheds which consequently improve the Bay

  17. Keys to Success • Education is key to sustainability • Regulation is not the answer • More cost share is needed • Programs need flexibility • Farmers need to participate in programs • Practices not only help environment but also improve farm production

  18. Agriculture and the Environment Do Work Together!

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