Experts to Discuss the Region 7 EPA and Iowa DNR Work Plan

10-31-2013 in Livestock

WEST DES MOINES, IA – October 31, 2013 — The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is offering a webinar for livestock and poultry farmers to explain the impact of the EPA Region 7 and Iowa DNR “Work Plan Agreement” on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 12:00 p.m.. – 1:15 p.m.

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

“Livestock regulations are complex, sometimes ambiguous and are constantly changing,” says CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. “For Iowa’s livestock and poultry farms to prosper, farmers must know and understand state and federal regulations and the resources available to help them remain viable on the land for generations to come.  This webinar will help livestock farmers better understand how the work plan agreement will affect them and their farm.”

The webinar features a presentation from Ken Hessenius, Iowa DNR supervisor from Field Office 3 in Spencer, discussing the details of the work plan agreement and what livestock farmers can expect if their farm is selected for an inspection. Other speakers include Eldon McAfee, attorney for Beving, Swanson and Forrest and Chris Gruenhagen, government relations counsel for the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation who will explain the steps farmers can take to prepare for an on-farm inspection. CSIF staff will also discuss the services they offer to livestock farmers to ensure they are in environmental compliance and are meeting all state and federal rules and regulations.

Farmers can access the webinar from their home or farm office by going to www.supportfarmers.com/farminspection. For more information, contact Brian Waddingham at bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com.

For more information about the Work Plan Agreement, visit the DNR Animal Feeding Operations link.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy 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.

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