Latest News
Autumn: An Ideal Season for Tree Planting
September 22 marked the first day of fall. Although the traditional growing season is over for Iowa’s crop farmers, the autumnal equinox ushers in the perfect conditions to complete your tree planting. Fall is a great time to plant shrubs and trees because it allows the roots to become established before the ground freezes. However,...
Read More
CSIF News Briefs – September 2016
Wayne County Pork Producer Recognized as Good Farm Neighbor The Paul Alexander family of Wayne County was recognized with the Good Farm Neighbor Award on September 15. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey, presented the award to Paul and his wife, Deleta, commending them for their commitment to their land, their livestock and their community....
Read More
Top 10 Calving Under Roof Considerations
Raising cows and calves under roof has become a growing trend across the state. Here are 10 considerations to help you determine if this type of facility is the right fit for your farm. 1.Controlled Conditions Calving barns provide a controlled environment, allowing you to avoid battling cold and muddy conditions on pasture. 2.Cow Longevity...
Read More
Alexander Family to Receive Good Farm Neighbor Award
West Des Moines, Iowa – September 13, 2016 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) commends the Alexander family of Wayne County for their outstanding efforts as a neighbors and community leaders. They have been named recipients of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will present the award...
Read More
CSIF Event Highlights Calving Barns as Alternative to Pasture
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – September 6, 2016 – Limited access to pasture ground has prompted many Iowa livestock farmers to transition their cattle under roof. For the Wilkerson and Clark families, this type of production system was a feasible option to help diversify their farms and welcome home the next generation. In 2015, brothers Mike...
Read More
Delaware County Family Improves Cattle Performance With Help From CSIF
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – September 2, 2016 – When the Ryan brothers, Mike, John and Pat, decided to build a monoslope cattle barn on their farm, they knew they could turn to the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) for siting assistance. “They had all the previous experience of working with other people who...
Read More
CSIF News Briefs – August 2016
Photo Contest Winners Announced August 1st marked the conclusion of our third annual “Farming is a Family Affair” photo contest. A variety of entries celebrating Iowa farm life were submitted during the voting period and were featured on the CSIF Facebook page. The top three winners with the most likes were awarded with a day package...
Read More
CSIF Field Day to Focus on Calving Under Roof
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – August 5, 2016 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is hosting a “Calving Under Roof Field Day” on August 25 near Linden to provide livestock farmers an opportunity to tour existing calving barns, hear about the economics of calving under roof, outline strategies to reduce feed costs, discuss...
Read More
Ryan Brothers Host Cattle Building Open House
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – August 1, 2016 – Farmers interested in learning about the benefits of raising cattle under roof are invited to attend an open house at the Pat, Mike and John Ryan family farm, to tour their new cattle building and enjoy a complimentary dinner on Tuesday, August 23 from 4:00 –...
Read More
When in Doubt, Hire a Professional
Last month we highlighted three simple steps for diagnosing your tree problems. While it can be rewarding to complete an on-farm project independently, sometimes taking yourself out of the equation can be the best way to save both time and money. When it comes to planting trees, the benefits of hiring a professional tree landscaper...
Read More