Iowa Landscapers Invited to Attend Farm Windbreak Workshop January 26

12-02-2015 in Events

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – December 2, 2015 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) invites Iowa landscapers interested in increasing their business opportunities to attend the ‘Green Farmstead Partner program’ workshop on January 26, 2016 at the Quality Inn and Suites Starlite Village in Ames.

Through the Green Farmstead Partner program, CSIF connects Iowa farmers who are interested in planting windbreaks and aesthetic tree plantings on their livestock farms with participating landscapers. Iowa nursery and landscape professionals who have expertise in designing and planting windbreaks are welcome to participate in the program.

“To date, over 66,000 trees have been planted on Iowa livestock farms through the Green Farmstead Partner program and that number is growing every year,” said Rita Cook, assistant field specialist and coordinator of the program. “The first step for landscapers interested in getting involved in the Green Farmstead Partner program is to attend this workshop to become familiar with the program and gain a better understanding of the most effective ways to help farmers with windbreaks and odor control around their livestock barns while still being aesthetically pleasing.”

Registration will open at 10 a.m. and the workshop will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Speakers will cover windbreak design, species selection and cost-share programs. Information about modern livestock facilities and considerations important to windbreak design for farms will also be covered.

The day will wrap-up with a trending topic panel discussion featuring an Iowa pork producer who planted aronia berries on his farm. Other panelists will address agroforestry opportunities for farmers and incorporating pollinator habitat into windbreak designs.

There are many benefits for a nursery or landscaping business to participate in the Green Farmstead Partner program. Once the training session has been completed, the Coalition will list each business’ contact information on the Green Farmstead Partner program website. Additionally, for each farmer who participates in the Green Farmstead Partner program by requesting a sign, the participating nursery will receive $250 from the Coalition for farmer assistance.

There is no cost to attend this event and a complimentary lunch will be provided. Iowa nursery and landscape professionals who are interested in attending the event and/or joining the Green Farmstead Partner program network should contact Rita Cook at 515-225-5515 or rcook@supportfarmers.com.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers’ Green Farmstead Partner program is supported by Trees Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association.

CSIF is a non-profit 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. For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

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 Egg Council, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.

-30-

Recommended News