CSIF Conference Provided Financing Strategies for Livestock Farmers

12-18-2024 in Events

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – December 19, 2024 –

Industry Experts Shared Ways to Bring Young People Back to the Farm

On November 21, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers hosted its 19^th Farming for the Future conference. More than 225 people attended the conference looking for assistance to put up their first livestock barn or to grow their current livestock farm.

The annual event is a chance for farmers, especially young farmers, to garner first-hand information crucial to developing their livestock operations in a responsible, sustainable way.

It’s only one of the many ways CSIF communicates with farmers, educating them on the latest industry trends and Iowa environmental and production issues.

This year’s conference focused on “Financing Your Livestock Farm” and featured presentations by industry specialists Christopher Pudenz, PhD, an economist with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Brian Gossling with the Iowa Farm Service Agency; Tammy Nebola and Nicki Howell with the Iowa Finance Authority; Farm Business Development Manager Amanda Van Steenwyk with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Erin Herbold-Swalwell, senior counsel with Wickham and Geadelmann PLLC; and Derek Namanny with the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship.

Topics ranged from how the lending process works for new livestock projects to farm succession planning and the legal aspects of bringing the next generation back to the farm, as well as Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship information on low interest loan programs available for new and established livestock farms.

“The Coalition received a number of inquiries from livestock farmers over the past year – many from young people wanting to get into farming that weren’t sure where to start or how to secure financing to make their dream of farming a reality,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. “We also heard from many well-established livestock farmers looking for assistance to diversify their farms due to low commodity prices and relatively high land costs. This year’s Farming for the Future Conference provided insight to help all of Iowa’s livestock farmers better understand cost-share and low-interest loan programs available, and ways to help them succeed in the long-run.”

Past conferences have focused on rules and regulations, raising cows under roof, enhancing neighbor relations and emerging opportunities in the state’s livestock industry.

To stay up to date with the latest rules and regulations, upcoming events and future programs and conferences, sign up for our monthly newsletter – Through the Gate – or listen to discussions on the latest agriculture related topics on the Fenceline Podcast with WHO broadcaster Bob Quinn. Access to the newsletter and podcast are available on the CSIF website supportfarmers.com.

“They have a good handle on what’s going on and they communicate with farmers on that farmer-to-farmer level, like their talking at the coffee shop,” says Quinn. “The success and reputation of the Coalition speaks for itself. Farmers and the ag industry trust it. They provide a wonderful service to Iowa and its farmers – on the ground and in keeping folks informed.”

It’s the reason Iowa’s supporting commodity groups put their trust in CSIF.

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 Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy and the North Central Poultry 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 orwww.supportfarmers.com.

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