Conference to Feature Experts to Help Livestock Farmers Grow Responsibly

01-06-2015 in Events

Livestock experts share innovative ways to mitigate risk on the farm

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – January 6, 2015 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is hosting its tenth annual Farming for the Future Conference January 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames.

This year’s conference, themed “The Risk and Reward of Livestock Production,” has a dynamic line-up of speakers who will help livestock farmers successfully and responsibly grow their farms, determine the financial feasibility of livestock production and better understand risk management tactics.

Dr. David Kohl, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech, will kick off the event by tackling the topic of financial feasibility. “The margins in agriculture have flipped. The grain industry, where the easy money has been made, is now facing financial trauma. However, the livestock industry is hotter than a pepper sprout, bringing profits and prosperity to producers,” Kohl said. He’ll address the strategic factors impacting economic health and the duration of this cycle, and offer strategies for long-term success on the farm.

Other financial experts include Allen Patten with Farm Credit Services of America, who will offer further insight into investing in new livestock projects today; Jayme Ungs with US Bank, who will explain how the lending process works for new livestock projects; and Tim Meyer with Producers Livestock Credit Corporation, who will detail programs available to help mitigate risk.

“The Coalition received a record number of inquiries from livestock farmers over the past year – many from young people wanting to get into farming, but weren’t sure what opportunity was right for them or how to secure financing to make their dream of farming a reality,” said Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. “This year’s Farming for the Future Conference will provide insight to help Iowa’s livestock farmers them succeed in the long-run.”

There will also be a panel of livestock farmers who have developed relationships with livestock and feed companies to improve the success of their operations. The panelists will candidly share why they made the decision to partner and the impact it’s had on their farm. Featured companies on the panel include Big Gain Feed, Inc., The Maschhoffs and VeroBlue Farms. For a complete agenda and to meet the farmers on the panel click here.

Registration, including a complimentary lunch, is free if completed by Jan. 19. A $20.00 fee will be charged for registrations after Jan. 19. For more information about the conference and to register, visit www.supportfarmers.com/conference  or call 1-800-932-2436. Space is limited.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers 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.

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