Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers Hosts Cattle Barn Open House

08-16-2018 in Cattle

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – August 16, 2018 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) partnered with Alan and Sara Mohr of Marengo to host an open house celebrating their new 999 head cattle barn on August 3rd. Friends and family, farmers and community members, and legislatures and supervisors were all in attendance to support the Mohr family and learn more about raising cattle in confinement.

The Mohr’s welcomed over 600 people to their farm to answer questions and display their new monoslope cattle barn. The barn features eight 46’x60’ pens, four 12’ deep pits, a catwalk above the pens and much more. By raising cattle in confinement, they reduce nitrogen runoff, spend less time choring, and are able to better monitor the overall health of the animals.

“We wanted to responsibly grow our farm without handling more bedding and manure, so we decided to build a pitted barn. We wanted to make sure we met all regulations and this was the best route to go,” explains Mohr. Alan and Sara have two boys, Tyson (11) and Easton (8), who are already active in their cattle operation. “Our boys were definitely a deciding factor in growing the farm. They’re growing up fast and who knows if they want to spend more time with dad and continue here, but we wanted to make sure they have a place to be if they do,” says Mohr.

The cattle are kept very comfortable; the barn is typically 15 degrees cooler than outside during the summer and is positioned to take advantage of the sun for heat in the winter. The Mohr’s also use rubber mats for additional cattle comfort. Mark Ehrsman from Iowa Beef Systems referenced a study that found cattle housed on rubber mats had healthier appetites, eating on average, two times more per day than cattle housed on cement only.

Ensuring environmental safeguards are in place for manure is something every farmer takes into consideration. The Mohr’s cattle barn is proactive on the issue by storing manure in four, 12’ deep pits measuring 53’x120’ until it is applied to crops as fertilizer.

Contact the Coalition today at supportfarmers.com or at 1-800-932-2346 to learn more about expanding your operation. “Whether you’re looking to put up your first barn or grow your existing farm, give us a call,” says Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director, “All services are free and completely confidential.”

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.

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