For the Knoebel family, agriculture must focus on both the environment and the economics of pork production to truly be sustainable.

“When my wife, Sarah, and I decided to create Cleveland Pork in 2008, we wanted to make sure it was something sustainable for us as a family and for the environment,” says Joel Knoebel, who farms near Elysburg, Pa. “Being in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed makes this even more important, so we have an ongoing duty to keep this facility an eco-friendly one.”

On the Knoebel’s northeast Pennsylvania farm, these efforts start at their 4,400-head, tunnel-ventilated building, which houses 1,100 grow-finish pigs in four separate rooms. Manure is pumped out from the pits primarily in the spring so the nutrients can help nourish the crops. Cleveland Pork’s state-approved nutrient management plan emphasizes environmental protection, while providing for optimal application rates for crops.

This system reduced the Knoebel’s crop input costs by $108 per acre in 2010, and Joel predicts even greater savings this year.

“Part of sustainability of any operation is the economics involved,” says Joel, who adds that his manure application records are reviewed annually by the local conservation district and are subject to inspection by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “Thanks to the nutrient-rich manure we have from our pigs, we have a high-quality fertilizer that enhances our soil profile and provides us a greater return per acre.”

Barns keep pigs comfortable
Careful management at Cleveland Pork’s state-of-the-art facility also helps maintain a good environment for the pigs and people.

“By pulling air through the central hallway of each barn, we create excellent air quality, which is important to keep pigs healthy and growing as efficiently as possible,” says Joel, who adds that a computerized system maintains a consistent temperature, which also enhances pig comfort.

Knoebels support the next generation of ag leaders
While Joel’s work keeps him very busy, he makes time to work with 4-H members and regularly speaks to students at his alma mater of Penn State University about career opportunities in agriculture. He and Sarah also host local high school students at their farm to educate ecology class members about modern pork production’s role in environmental stewardship.

In addition, the Knoebels offer a scholarship at the high school they attended for students interested in pursuing an agricultural career. These outreach efforts reflect the Knoebel’s sincere love of the land and commitment to excellence.

“For us, it’s about continuous improvement,” Joel says. “We need to learn from today so we can be better tomorrow.”

Stewards safeguard the environment
Cleveland Pork is one of four 2011 Pork Industry Environmental Stewards. Other winners of this honor, which is sponsored by the Pork Checkoff and National Hog Farmer magazine, include:

• John M. Langdon Farms, Benson, N.C.
• Wuebker Farms, Versailles, Ohio
• Golden Circle Pork, Woodward, Iowa

The operations were evaluated on their manure management systems, water and soil conservation practices, odor-control strategies, farm aesthetics and neighbor relations, wildlife habitat promotion, innovative ideas used to protect the environment, notes Lynn Harrison, former president of the National Pork Board.

“The 2011 Stewards are real-world examples of how producers demonstrate the We Care principles every day as natural protectors of the environment and as good neighbors in their communities.”
To read more about the Environmental Stewards, go to the 2011 fall issue of Pork Checkoff Report.