CSIF News Briefs – November 2016

11-30-2016 in Through The Gate

Farmers Reel in Business Opportunities at CSIF Aquaculture Conference

The high quality resources that position Iowa as a top producing agricultural state also make it a natural fit for aquaculture production. Although indoor fish and shrimp farming systems are still relatively new in the United States, many Iowa farmers are intrigued by the business model and value added opportunities the aquaculture industry presents.

Recognizing this market opportunity and a growing interest in aquaculture among Iowa’s livestock farmers, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers partnered with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the North Central Iowa Regional Aquaculture Center to host an Iowa Aquaculture Conference on Thursday, November 17. Nearly 200 participants attended the event at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames to learn about start-up considerations and “deep dive” topics for fish farms already in production.

Stay tuned for the complete follow-up story!

CSIF Launches Calving Under Roof Videos

Earlier this month, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers launched a series of videos featuring footage from the “Calving Under Roof Field Day”. Experts in these videos address some of the most frequently asked questions relating to calving under roof, and share advice to Iowa’s livestock and poultry farmers on how to grow their farms successfully and responsibly.

To view the video series, visit supportfarmers.com/calving.

Farm Tip: Preparing for an EPA or DNR Inspection – Part I

The Iowa DNR is nearing the end of their inspections for the 2016 calendar year. If your farm has already been inspected, be sure to take corrective action to fix any issues. For those who have not been inspected, check out the following article to ensure your farm is in accordance with the environmental rules and regulations, and to learn how to best respond to potential DNR or EPA inquiries.

Part 1: Before the Inspection

Flowering Trees and Shrubs Add Seasonal Color on the Farm

Enhance your farm’s roadside appeal by incorporating flowering trees and shrubs in your windbreak. Select species that produce stunning foliage or fruit to tap into the aesthetic appeal of the fall season.

Ready to spruce up your farm with ornamental trees and shrubs? Check out the following article and examples from our plant gallery on our Green Farmstead Partner blog.

Investment Partner Highlight: Farm Credit Services of America

Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) reaffirmed its support of Iowa agriculture through their continued investment in the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.

“FCSAmerica is proud to renew our support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Agriculture is the heartbeat of Iowa, responsible for one out of every three dollars that enter the Iowa economy, with livestock alone generating $31.6 billion for the states’ economy,” says Jim Knuth, senior vice president for Farm Credit Services of America. “So it’s important not only for our organization, but for all of Iowa to support this industry, and one of the best ways to do that is through livestock.”

The financial commitment made by FCSAmerica will assist CSIF in its ongoing efforts to provide direct assistance to livestock farmers as they strive to grow their farms successfully and responsibly.

Read the full news release here.

Farmgate Quotable

“The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers does a really good job of keeping track of all the regulations. They really help the farmer in siting their land and determining where they want to have their facility. They’ve been very helpful to me personally in answering a lot of the questions farmers have. I would definitely recommend others working with them in the future.” – Allen Pattillo, ISU Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Specialist

Click on the link to view Pattillo’s video testimonial.

Recommended News