Latest Technology in Livestock Farming Celebrated at Amana Farms

08-24-2015 in Cattle

By Haley Banwart, CSIF Communications Intern

Iowa’s historic Amana Farms recently celebrated the addition of a 1,250-head monoslope cattle barn by hosting an open house that attracted over 425 farmers, neighbors and community members. The event held Friday, August 7th, featured tours of the new facility and an opportunity to network with leaders in the cattle industry. A complimentary lunch was also served.

In addition to row crops and timber, beef production is a leading venture at the diversified Amana Farms. The construction of the monoslope barn allowed Amana Farms to expand their cattle operation using the latest technology in raising cattle under roof.

“Increased cattle health, increased cattle comfort and safety for both our workers and the livestock are key reasons we decided to build this type of facility,” explained Jon Haman, manager of Amana Farms’ cattle operation.

While beef production is a key enterprise at Amana Farms, another facet of the cattle operation includes producing green energy through an anaerobic digester. This economic and environmental investment utilizes cattle manure from the new and existing facilities to produce methane that powers the Amana communities. It also provides organic fertilizer that is applied to Amana Farms’ cropland.

Scottie Clubb oversees the anaerobic digester process at Amana Farms. According to Clubb, the new monoslope cattle barn is very complimentary to the digester.

“The addition of the barn has allowed us to increase our capacity in producing electricity for the surrounding community,” said Clubb.

The monoslope barn was custom-designed and built by Iowa Beef Systems. The facility features Easy Fix rubber mats for cattle comfort and scraper system that works in conjunction with the manure digester.

Iowa Beef Systems partnered with the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers to host the open house. During the planning process, Amana Farms used the Coalition as a second set of eyes to ensure all state and federal regulations were being met.

“We are proud to work alongside agricultural businesses like Amana Farms and Iowa Beef Systems in order to meet the needs of the farm while acting as responsible stewards of the land,” said CSIF Executive Director, Brian Waddingham. “The time and attention to detail that went into this project is truly a testament to Amana Farms’ mission of farming with innovation and care.”

CSIF is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.

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