CSIF Event Highlights Calving Barns as Alternative to Pasture

03-29-2022 in Events

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Mar. 29, 2022 – Livestock farmers from across the state gathered to learn more about transitioning to cattle under roof at the 16th annual Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) Farming for the Future Conference at the Clarke County Fairgrounds near Osceola, Iowa, on March 2.

Limited access and affordability to pasture ground has prompted many Iowa livestock farmers to transition their cattle under roof, including Ryan and Chad Pontier who shared their experience as panelists at the conference. The brothers noted this type of production system was a feasible option to help diversify their farm and improve cattle performance.

In 2019, Ryan and Chad built a combination calving and backgrounding barn that holds 120-head of cows and 120-head of feeder calves. The Pontier’s called CSIF for advice on siting the barn and to discuss the rules and regulations that would apply to their new barn. “We studied this for several years before jumping in,” Ryan said.

At the conference, experts provided attendees with answers to the most commonly asked questions about calving under roof, including management, cattle health, economics, rules and regulations, nutrition and building design.

“The conference provided Iowa’s cattle farmers with the opportunity to hear from industry experts, visit with other cow-calf producers, see video of cows calving under roof and talk to the farmers that are doing it successfully,” says CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. “The insight offered in the presentations and on the video provides unique perspectives that may help farmers determine if this type of production system is a feasible option for their farm.”

To view the presentations and the video from the conference, please visit supportfarmers.com/future.

Contact

Brian Waddingham, Executive Director
Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
515-225-5531 / bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com

About CSIF

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. 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.

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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