Ditch Family Hosts New Hog Barn Open House

05-22-2014 in Events

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – May 22, 2014 – Families, neighbors and community members are invited to attend an open house and complimentary dinner Tuesday, June 3 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Matt and Melissa Ditch farm outside of Center Point. The Ditch family will offer tours of their new barn, explain how they raise livestock and showcase new technology and environmental safeguards they are using.

The farm is located at 4853 West Otter Road, Center Point, IA.

“I’m proud to be the third generation in the Ditch family to own and manage this farm.  Our family has a long history of solid, reputable animal husbandry and land stewardship practices in the agricultural community of Center Point and Linn County,” said Matt Ditch.  “This community is a part of our family in many ways.  We want to see it continue to flourish and grow, so our children and future generations can continue to carry on our legacy.  We understand that for this legacy to continue we must be committed to protecting the environment and communicating openly with our neighbors.”

Experts from CSIF will also be available to provide insight into interpreting rules and regulations impacting animal agriculture, enhancing relationships with neighbors and choosing good locations for new barns and feedlots.  CSIF assistance is available to farm families at no charge.

The open house is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), The Maschhoff’s, Linn County Farm Bureau, Jorden Ag Enterprises, Alliant Energy, Klima Excavating and Iowa Pork Producers Association.

“Iowa livestock farmers are community-minded and take great pride in their work and commitment to the well-being of their animals and the environment,” says Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director.  “It’s also no secret that livestock production has a positive impact on the local economy.  The construction and day-to-day operation of a 3,600 head hog barn like the Ditch’s will create jobs and provide more than $3,000,000 in economic impact to Linn County on a yearly basis.”

CSIF is a non-profit, non-lobbying organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on identifying 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.

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