By Andi Anderson
Hertzfeld Poultry Farms, a family-run egg production operation in Wood County, Ohio, is working hard to protect bird health amid growing challenges from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The farm, rooted in generations of family tradition, focuses on quality feed, strong biosecurity, and teamwork.
Thomas Hertzfeld III, part of the fourth generation managing the farm, emphasized the role of feed and care in their success. “Soy especially is an integral part of the health and the diet of those birds,” he said.
Their operation includes grain and feed facilities to produce high-quality feed, while also sourcing additional ingredients as needed.
The threat of HPAI has pushed the farm to increase its biosecurity efforts. From feed to transportation, every element is under strict monitoring. “Each and every day here on our farm we are paying attention to washing in, washing out and making sure that our feed and grain locations are up to speed and are clean and sanitized,” Thomas added.
Jordan Hertzfeld pointed out how the disease has impacted their entire operation and the broader supply chain.
Trucks entering the facility go through strict cleaning processes, and coordination with other farmers is a daily routine to reduce disease spread.
“We talk to other farmers daily to make sure we’re coordinating and we’re not crossing paths,” Jordan said.
Even row-crop producers supplying feed are involved in the process, showing how interconnected farming operations are. Jordan stressed the importance of collaboration: “This is an issue that affects everybody in the entire supply chain.”
With a united front and clear communication, the Hertzfeld family and others in agriculture are taking important steps to keep poultry safe and secure across Ohio.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-chubarovy
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Poultry