FCSAmerica Supports Farmers Through Investment in CSIF

12-02-2013 in News Release

DES MOINES, Iowa – December 2, 2013 – 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 2,400 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.

“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 $23.2 billion in revenues, $3.8 billion in household income, and 93,000 jobs in 2011.  Over the past decade, the growth of animal agriculture has led to an increase of $5.5 billion in economic output, $904 million in household wages, 22,000 jobs, and $265 million in additional tax revenue. Unlike the rest of the country that was significantly impacted during the economic downturn, the livestock industry helped provide a buffer. It’s also 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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