CSIF Conference to Focus on Cost-Share and Loan Programs

10-11-2024 in Events

Industry experts to provide financing strategies for livestock farmers

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – October 10, 2024 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is hosting its nineteenth annual Farming for the Future Conference November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.

This year’s conference, “Financing Your Livestock Farm,” features a dynamic line-up of speakers to help livestock farmers better understand the opportunities available to them in livestock production, provide strategies on ways to manage risk, provide insight on the financing and leasing programs available and how the lending process works. There will also be an expert panel to discuss farm succession planning and to answer your questions about how to devise a strategy to turn your farm over to the next generation.

“The Coalition received a number of inquiries from livestock farmers over the past year – many from young people wanting to get into farming but weren’t sure where to start or how to secure financing to make their dream of farming a reality,” said 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 will provide 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.”

Christopher Pudenz, PhD, an economist with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, will kick off the event by providing an Iowa agriculture economic outlook and what that could potentially mean for Iowa’s livestock farmers in the coming year, especially given that net farm income is down 23% since 2022.

Other industry experts include Brian Gossling with the Iowa Farm Service Agency, who will discuss how the lending process works for new livestock projects; Tammy Nebola and Nicki Howell with the Iowa Finance Authority, will review the beginning farmer loan and tax credit programs; Farm Business Development Manager, Amanda Van Steenwyk with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation will discuss farm succession planning; Erin Herbold-Swalwell, senior counsel with Wickham and Geadelmann PLLC will discuss the legal aspects of bringing the next generation back to the farm; and Derek Namanny with the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship will cover low interest loan programs available for new and established livestock farms.

Registration, including a complimentary lunch, is free if completed by Nov 18. A $20.00 fee will be charged for registrations after Nov. 18. For more information about the conference and to register, visit www.supportfarmers.com/conference or call 1-800-932-2436. Space is limited.

To register, please fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/r/xLRVW0Jka9

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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