WEST DES MOINES — In response to the damage caused by recent storms across much of Iowa, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is providing on-farm resources to help livestock farmers get their questions answered about options and considerations for their farms.
If your farm sustained damage to its livestock and poultry barns, open feedlots or even windbreaks, now may be a good time to have the Coalition come out to your farm and assess your best options for moving forward. Some farmers may just decide to replace damaged buildings while some may want to take the opportunity to relocate and improve facilities.
“If you have questions about what your options are, give the Coalition a call and a staff member will come out to your farm and visit about your particular situation – all at no charge and completely confidential,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. “We’re passionate about responding to the needs of Iowa livestock farmers. We can provide a helping hand as an unbiased third party that can help in the planning and rebuilding process.”
Farmers who are tired of battling wind on their livestock farm or who have lost trees in a recent storm, may be eligible for CSIF’s Green Farmstead Partner Program. From refurbishing an old grove to planting a new windbreak, the program enlists the expertise of 30 nursery professionals across the state trained to work with livestock facilities. To learn more about the program, visit www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarmsteadpartner. Since 2009, more than 80,000 trees have been planted on livestock and poultry farms across Iowa.
CSIF is a non-profit, non-lobbying organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on identifying good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. This positive, solutions-based approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy and the North Central Poultry Association. For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.