CSIF Webinar Helps Livestock Farmers Prepare for DNR Inspections

11-15-2013 in Events

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – November 15, 2013 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is pleased to offer an archived version of its webinar to help Iowa’s livestock and poultry farmers prepare for on-site inspections of their farms.  The webinar explains the EPA Region 7 and Iowa DNR “Work Plan Agreement” and its impact on livestock and poultry farmers.

The work plan agreement was released September 11 and is designed to strengthen Iowa’s implementation of the federally authorized NPDES program.

On the webinar, experts provided an overview of the work plan agreement, how livestock farms would be identified, order of compliance evaluation and inspections, what enforcement actions would occur and how to prepare for an inspection as well as what to expect during the inspection.  It also includes financing options available for those farmers needing to make changes or improvements to their livestock farms.

“Farmers should take the work plan agreement seriously and be proactive in taking a look at their livestock farms,” says CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham.  “I would encourage farm families to access the online videos to better understand what the DNR inspectors will be looking for, whether it’s a desk-top evaluation or an on-site inspection, and how to prepare for it.  If they have environmental concerns about their livestock farm, I would encourage them to contact CSIF and arrange a no cost, confidential farm visit.”

The Coalition has received a record number of calls in 2013 from farmers of all ages looking to grow or maintain their family farm or to bring family members into the business.  “The requests range from assistance in interpreting rules and regulations, siting new livestock buildings, and improving neighbor relations to being that ‘second set of eyes’ on the farm and recommending improvements to make in order to remain in compliance with state and federal rules,” Waddingham said.

CSIF is a non-profit, non-lobbying organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost.  This positive, solutions-based approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Midwest Dairy Association.  For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

-30-

Recommended News