Growing livestock, growing Iowa field day to be held May 24

05-15-2012 in Field Day

West Des Moines, Iowa – May 15, 2012 – Farmers not only care for the land and livestock, they are also neighbors and stewards of the environment. Farm families and others interested in agriculture are invited to attend a “Growing livestock, growing Iowa” field day at the AJ and Kellie Blair farm on May 24 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The farm is located at 3531 Paragon Ave, Dayton.

The field day will provide practical, hands on information that farm families can take home and use to make informed, responsible and successful changes on their farms. The morning session will feature an overview of the confidential, no-cost services offered by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). Additionally, experts will provide an update on the rules and regulations impacting livestock farms and offer insight into improving neighbor relations.

There are many aspects to creating and maintaining positive relationships with non-farm neighbors. In recent years, many farm families like the Blairs have utilized the expertise of the Green Farmstead Partner (GFP) program to install a tree planting as part of their good neighbor plan. The Blair family has an established windbreak at their hog barn and will be adding a windbreak for their cattle barn.

“Working through the Coalition’s Green Farmstead Partner program has helped us identify cost-share programs and nurseries that have worked with other livestock facilities. (It) is a great resource for Iowa’s farmers,” Kellie Blair said.

In addition to improving neighbor and community relations, a properly designed tree planting can control snow in the harsh winter months, cool air during the hot summer, provide a windbreak, reduce energy costs, improve the performance of tunnel fans and reduce odor.

After a short program, lunch will be served and all are invited to learn proper tree planting techniques from Trees Forever staff.

“Families considering adding livestock or poultry to their existing farm, bringing another generation into the farming business, or those who simply want to improve relationships with neighbors won’t want to miss this event,” CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham said.

The GFP program, a collaborative effort between CSIF, Trees Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association, provides technical information and resources to help families install shelterbelts on their livestock and poultry farms.

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. It does not develop policy, lobby or charge for its services.

This positive, solutions-based approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Midwest Dairy Association.

For more information, contact CSIF at 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com/events.

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