Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers Partners with Iowa State Fair to Sponsor ‘Avenue of Breeds’

07-16-2019 in News Release

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – July 16, 2019 – In celebration of Iowa’s diverse livestock industry, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is proudly sponsoring the “Avenue of Breeds” at the Iowa State Fair for the ninth year in a row.

The 2019 Iowa State Fair runs August 8 – 18 and the Avenue of Breeds is one of the fair’s most popular attractions.  Located in the northwest corner of the Swine Barn, the exhibit showcases 125 different animals and provides fairgoers with educational information about the livestock displayed.  Members of the North Polk FFA chapter volunteer to answer questions from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily and also to tend to the animals throughout the fair.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 15^th anniversary this year and our ninth year sponsoring the Avenue of Breeds at the Iowa State Fair,” said CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham.  “Livestock is so important to the success of Iowa, with one in five jobs directly tied to agriculture.  It’s also a terrific way to encourage young people to stay in the rural areas of our state. We cannot thank the North Polk FFA members enough for their dedicated service to the Avenue of Breeds during the fair.  These FFA members accurately depict the daily hard work and dedication of Iowa’s farm families and their efforts make the exhibit a continuous success.”

Fairgoers have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with over 55 breeds of cattle, horses, sheep and fish including exotic animals such as elk and llamas that are not exhibited in any other barns.

“Whether you raise livestock or have never been to an Iowa farm, the Avenue of Breeds is an exhibit everyone can enjoy,” Waddingham said.  “If you are interested in learning more about how animals are raised or would like to visit with livestock caretakers, visit the Avenue of Breeds at this year’s Iowa State Fair.”

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 800.932.2436 or visit supportfarmers.com.

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

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