Kreider Farms in Manheim, Pa., was one of five farms across the U.S. to receive the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s (USPOULTRY) Family Farm Environmental Excellence Award during the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo in Atlanta. USPOULTRY sponsors the annual awards to recognize exemplary environmental stewardship by family farmers engaged in poultry and egg production.

Applicants were rated in several categories: nutrient management planning, implementation of novel sustainability practices, community involvement, innovative litter or manure management techniques and participation in education or outreach programs. A team of environmental professionals from universities, regulatory agencies and state poultry associations reviewed applications and conducted farm visits.

Kreider Farms is an award-winning egg production operation integrated within a large, diversified agricultural enterprise. The farm includes six layer farms across three counties and utilizes a belt-system litter management process that removes manure every two days to prevent buildup. In addition to egg production, the operation supports an 1,800-head dairy milking herd and more than 3,000 acres of crop production across 3,177 total acres. All poultry litter is directed to the farm’s row crop fields, with storage managed through litter sheds after it goes through a composting and dehydration process aided by exposing it to a forced aeration system.

Environmental stewardship at Kreider Farms is guided by a comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan implemented in 1998. Soil in the crop production fields is sampled every three years. Litter is incorporated into the soil to reduce runoff and odors while improving soil health, and no-till practices are used across crop acres to prevent erosion and enhance water retention. These practices protect water quality, recycle nutrients responsibly and support long-term soil productivity.

Beyond farm operations, Kreider Farms is deeply committed to community engagement, conservation and innovation. The farm hosts year-round public dairy tours to educate visitors on modern, sustainable agriculture and actively reduces food waste through large-scale donations and the repurposing of egg and dairy products. Conservation efforts include planting switchgrass, native trees and shrubs to support wildlife habitat, partnering with conservation agencies to restore wetlands and improve water quality and exploring renewable energy solutions such as solar and biogas from manure. Through ongoing employee training, strong agency partnerships and global outreach initiatives, Kreider Farms demonstrates leadership in sustainability, environmental responsibility and agricultural education.