Are you interested in financing your livestock operation? Do you want to connect with experienced farmers to continue their legacy and begin your own? The Building Your Livestock Legacy Program is here to help.

Through a self-guided online mentorship program using Google Classroom, participants will work through a series of video lessons featuring experts on a variety of topics, from financing and marketing to the loan application process. The program is available to anyone who would benefit from the lessons presented, whether you are a new and beginning farmer or an established farmer looking for financial assistance.

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Tim and Cindy Kaldenberg Family

Tim and Cindy Kaldenberg purchased their first farm in 1995, creating their own legacy of multigenerational family farmers. Today, Kaldenberg Farms also includes their son Layne, his wife Ashley, and their child Troy, who represents the family’s eighth generation of farmers. Their daughter, Lauren, works for U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley in Washington, D.C.

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Chad and Becky Stripe

Stripe Farms, a third-generation family farm, is operated by Chad and Becky Stripe, along with their sons Gabe, age 21, and Coy, age 17. Chad’s parents, Gary and Sandy Stripe, remain involved, with Gary recently retiring after farming for 50 years. The farm, rooted in a legacy that began with Gary’s father, raises corn, soybeans, hay, and silage, alongside a cow-calf operation where calves are marketed after weaning.

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Recker Family

Recker’s Enterprises was incorporated in 1998, but Cory Recker began farming in 1992 alongside his parents, Jack and Pam Recker. Jack and Pam began farming during the 1970s. Today, Cory is a fourth-generation farmer who operates a diverse row crop and livestock operation.

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Fourteen candidates pursue title of 72nd Iowa Dairy Princess

Fourteen young women involved within Iowa’s dairy community will compete for the title of 72nd Iowa Dairy Princess and Alternate. The coronation ceremony will be held Wednesday, August 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Multi-Media Center of the Cattle Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

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Iowa growers warn congress on trade risks and MAHA misinformation

Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation opened their D.C. office doors to Iowa farmers Wednesday for discussions on the farm bill, trade and the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative.

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Iowa Corn Fosters Global Trade Relationships in Africa

In early June, Mark Mueller, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Vice President and farmer from Waverly, Iowa, attended the U.S. Grain Council (USGC) Buyers and Sellers Conference in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Roughly 90 representatives, consultants and presenters from across Arabic and sub-Saharan Africa attended the conference, representing companies involved in the trade or the livestock feeding industry.

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3rd Annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark Raises $20,000 for Iowa Food Banks

Hundreds of Iowans gathered at Principal Park on June 21 for the third annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, raising more than $20,000 to support food banks across the state. The family-friendly event was presented by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) in partnership with the Iowa Cubs and Fareway Stores.

“Events like BBQ & Brew show how strong our communities are when we come together for a common cause,” said Doug Gruver, IPPA board member and two-time event volunteer.

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