By Joel Alicea, USDA-NRCS

In Lancaster County, Penn Lake Farms, LLC is a model of how tradition and innovation can work together. Operated by the third generation, Darvin Myer, along with his son Harrison Myer (fourth generation) and son-in-law Ryan Good, diversified Penn Lake Farms, LLC which includes poultry, beef, and crops. This multi-generational family farm is committed to stewardship and sustainability, with a focus on implementing best management practices that help protect both their livelihood and the environment. 

Recent conservation and operation upgrades highlight this family farm’s forward thinking. By installing a liquid manure storage, a manure stacking shed facility, and making significant barnyard improvements, Penn Lake Farms, LLC has taken steps to reduce nutrient runoff and improve water quality in the Chiques Creek Watershed. 

An initiative by Penn Township targeting water quality concerns in the Chiques Creek Watershed sparked interest in the need for on-farm improvements. Darvin decided to contact his local Lancaster County USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office for some guidance on how to address his barnyard runoff. What followed over the next few years was a collaborative effort between NRCS staff, Penn Lake Farms, LLC members, their private engineer (TimberTech), Penn State Extension, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to complete this project to meet the farm’s needs, address resource concerns, and sustain the operation for future generations. The results have been substantial: manure and wastewater runoff is now fully contained, manure is field applied at optimal times and in ideal field conditions, and riparian buffers are planted along all streams and ponds on the farm.  

“Projects of this scale require coordination across multiple phases, from the liquid manure pit to barnyard improvements and the manure stacking shed. The collaboration between NRCS planners and private engineers, including TimberTech, was essential in keeping construction on track. Maintaining technical support for efforts like this is vital, as these projects make a meaningful impact on the Lancaster watersheds.” said Darvin.

Additionally, Penn Lake Farms, LLC recently built a new pullet house to diversify their operation. With a new flock in Spring 2026, they are always looking for ways to maintain the quality of their product. “By making these improvements and informed decisions, we ensure the farm remains viable for the future generations and stays in the family business,” said Harrison Myer.

Along with funding from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Darvin also received assistance from sources like USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), and the Buffer Bonus Program through Penn State Ag and the Environment Center for the Chiques Creek Watershed.

The family emphasized that the funding from NRCS and others helped make this large project possible. Beyond infrastructure improvements, the Meyers continue to use conservation practices such as no‑till, grassed waterways, and forested riparian buffers, and recently adopted a digital ag program that supports precision agriculture practices and record‑keeping.

The Meyers expressed a strong focus on legacy—working together across generations to grow their operation responsibly, make informed decisions, and ensure the farm remains viable for future family members. As the agriculture industry faces increasing challenges, operations like Penn Lake Farms, LLC demonstrate that planning, progress, and preservation go hand-in-hand. Their efforts today are helping to protect Lancaster County’s water quality while ensuring the farm’s success for generations to come. 

To learn more about NRCS services conservation programs, please visit your local field office, found at www.farmers.gov/service-locator.