FCS America Supports Farmers through Investment in CSIF

01-08-2015 in News Release

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – January 8, 2015 – Farm Credit Services of America, (FCSAmerica) a company dedicated to serving the agricultural credit and financial needs of farmers and ranchers, reaffirmed its support of Iowa agriculture through an investment in the non-profit Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF).

The financial commitment made by FCSAmerica will assist CSIF in its efforts to provide direct assistance to livestock farmers as they strive to grow their farms successfully and responsibly. To date, CSIF has helped more than 2,900 farm families.

“We’re extremely grateful for FCSAmerica’s contribution to the Coalition and deeply appreciative of their continued support of Iowa agriculture,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. “With the increasingly complex and costly regulations covering animal agriculture, farmers can use some assistance and the Coalition’s providing it directly to the families that need it most. I strongly believe FCSAmerica’s investment underscores the value of our efforts.”

A portion of the FCSAmerica investment will be used to support the popular Green Farmstead Partner program. The Green Farmstead Partner program is sponsored by CSIF, along with the help of Trees Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association. It offers timely and cost-effective assistance to Iowa farmers wanting to plant trees and shrubs around new and existing livestock and poultry buildings. Since the program began in 2009, more than 44,000 trees have been planted on Iowa’s livestock farms.

“FCSAmerica is proud to renew our support of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Both organizations share a strong and passionate interest in supporting and growing Iowa agriculture,” says Jim Knuth, senior vice president for Farm Credit Services of America. “And one of the best ways to do that is through livestock.”

“Everyone benefits from a strong and robust livestock industry in our state,” says Waddingham. “For example, livestock agriculture represented $31.6 billion in revenues and accounted for 122,764 jobs in 2012. Over the past decade, the growth of animal agriculture has led to an increase of $4.7 billion in economic output, $791 million in household wages, 20,600 jobs, and $224 million in additional tax revenue. Iowa’s thriving livestock industry has helped to revitalize many small towns and has been an important tool to help young people stay in rural Iowa.”

CSIF was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. 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.

The non-profit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

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