Latest News
CSIF Financing and Farm Succession Conference Draws Over 200 Farmers
Industry experts offered practical strategies to help Iowa livestock farmers secure financing and plan successful farm transitions. More than 200 livestock farmers from across Iowa gathered on Thursday, November 20, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny for the 20th annual Farming for the Future Conference. The event, hosted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), focused on financing and farm transition planning. Access to capital remains one of the greatest challenges for new and established livestock farmers. To address this challenge, CSIF assembled a conference lineup focused on budgeting and building a strong balance sheet—key tools for financing a first livestock barn or expanding an existing operation.
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Through the Gate //November 2025
Stay updated with the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. Discover events and more.
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Through the Gate // October 2025
Stay updated with the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. Discover events and more.
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Through the Gate // September 2025
Stay updated with the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. Discover events and more.
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Summer with Sydney
As classes have resumed at Iowa State University, I have been able to look back on my summer and the experiences I had with CSIF, I was able to gain hands-on experience in event planning, journalism, and networking within the agriculture industry.
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Southeast Iowa farm family honored for contributions to their community, care for their land and livestock
Mike and Diana, along with the help of Mike’s brother Mark, operate Rysdam Family Farm, a diversified cow/calf beef cattle operation that also raises corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and oats. Previously, the family also raised sheep, hogs and chickens for meat and eggs.
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Through the Gate // August 2025
Stay updated with the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. Discover events and more.
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Multi-generational Bremer County family to be honored during a ceremony at their farm
Jeremy and Sara Ebaugh, along with their three sons, John, Joe, and Jeb, operate Ebaugh Dairy, a fourth-generation farm that is home to Holstein dairy cows, a cow/calf herd and chickens. The family also raises corn, soybeans, hay, oats and rye. Milk from the dairy is sold to Wapsie Valley Creamery, and the family also sells Holstein bull calves, eggs and St. Bernard puppies. With John and Joe pursuing agricultural careers after wrestling at Upper Iowa University, and Jeb actively helping on the farm while in high school, the family is preparing the way for a fifth generation to continue the operation.
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Green Farmstead Partner Program Supports Boone County Family in Adopting Sustainable Practices
Rod and Missy Bice of Boone County have sought guidance from the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) for help with rules and regulations regarding their livestock farm, Golden Circle Pork, so it was natural to reach out to CSIF to enhance their farmstead further through the Green Farmstead Partner Program. The Green Farmstead Partner Program began in 2009 as an ambitious effort by CSIF to bridge the gap between farmers in need of windbreaks on their farm and nursery professionals who specialize in planting trees and shrubs that work best on livestock farms. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of livestock barns, the program also helps reduce odor, provides shade in the summer and protection during harsh winters, conserves energy, and enhances neighbor relations.
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Quinn Honored as 200th Good Neighbor
Bob Quinn, long-time WHO radio ag broadcaster, once said, “I’m sometimes asked how we find a good farm neighbor. I tell them, ‘Raise your window shade and look across the field. You’ll probably find the very definition of one.” The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) didn’t have to look far for their 200th recipient of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. He was right before their eyes. Quinn was presented the award on Friday, August 22nd at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. “Bob, and his advocacy for agriculture, is the very essence of what makes a good farm neighbor,” says CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. For 21 years, Quinn has presented the Good Farm Neighbor Awards, honoring farmers in all but 14 Iowa counties.
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