Iowa Livestock Insider – August 2018

08-17-2018 in Through The Gate

GOOD FARM NEIGHBOR AWARD CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF RECOGNIZING IOWA LIVESTOCK FARMERS

The efforts of Iowa livestock farmers to be good neighbors and stewards of the land and water continues to be celebrated on the 15^th anniversary of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award.

The award recognizes Iowa livestock farmers who take pride in doing things right, which includes caring for the environment and their livestock and being good neighbors. It was started by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and WHO Radio and is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). Named in memory of Gary Wergin, a long-time WHO Radio farm broadcaster who helped create the award.

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2018 PHOTO CONTEST

Our 2018 Farming is a Family Affair Photo Contest was a huge success! With 65 entires from 48 counties, this year’s contest was our largest ever! We reached over 135,000 Facebook users over the course of the contest, and received over 18,000 reactions, shares and comments!

Congratulations to our winners who received Iowa State Fair tickets, food vouchers and a parking pass. First place also received a Visa gift card! Be on the lookout for future contests, and get your photos ready for next year!

FROM THE INTERN

by Megyn Walston, Communications Intern

Over the past month I have been busy with professional development while also experiencing new opportunities and networking with agriculture industry professionals. I am quickly realizing the value my internship brings to my resume and how unique this program is. Read more about how I am enjoying my experience!

NEIGHBOR RELATIONS

by Kent Mowrer, Senior Field Coordinator

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at the farrowing display in the Animal Learning Center during the 2018 Iowa State Fair.The experience made me realize two things: those of us working in livestock agriculture know a lot about what we do, and the general population knows very little about what we do.

Urbanization is resulting in a public that has little to no understanding of modern livestock production. They draw their knowledge from social media or television where livestock agriculture is seldom represented accurately or realistically. What we know is not what the public knows.If you are thinking about expanding your livestock farm or adding a new barn to your farm, take time to educate your neighbors so trust is developed once the neighbors have the right information. For more information on neighbor relations, view our Good Neighbor Guidehere.

If you need help in developing a neighbor relations plan specific to your farm, contact the Coalition today.

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CATTLE BARN OPEN HOUSE

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COVER CROPS ENHANCE BOTH CROP AND LIVESTOCK OPERATIONS

On July 17, AJ and Kellie Blair of Dayton, Iowa hosted a field day to discuss their experience with cover crops. Topics ranged from how the crops can benefit crop rotations, nitrogen levels, and livestock operations. The Practical Farmers of Iowa hosted the event and presented research results from across the state and explained options to other farmers who are interested in incorporating cover crops on their operations.

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