Latest News
Healthy Roots Ensure Successful Tree Growth
Out of sight out of mind. When we think of tree health, we often consider what’s above ground first. In reality, it’s what is below the soil that matters most. A strong root system is essential to tree health. The survival of a newly planted tree depends on root establishment, and root establishment is the...
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Manure Stockpiling Reminders
As planting progresses across the state, the window to apply manure to crop ground is rapidly closing. If you’re planning to stockpile manure over the summer months, double-check the requirements before choosing a location. There are different requirements based on the type of operation you have. For more specific information, please review the links below...
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Intern Update: Another Summer, Another Opportunity
By: Haley Banwart, CSIF Intern Opportunity came knocking at my door when I was invited to intern with the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers for another summer. And because I had such a great experience the first time around, I simply couldn’t say no. As I sit at my desk for the first time in...
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Iowa Youth Optimistic About Ag Careers, Including Farming
May 5, 2016 – West Des Moines – Despite the recent downturn in the ag economy, 86 percent of Iowa’s youth intend to pursue a career in agriculture, according to a recent survey of Iowa FFA members conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). This year marks the eleventh year CSIF has conducted the survey...
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Top 4 Tree Considerations for New Construction
Top 4 Tree Considerations for New Construction If you’re planning to build a new livestock facility and are considering adding trees after the barn or lots are built, here’s what you need to keep in mind during site layout: 1) Plan for a solid row of trees on the north and west sides. To maximize...
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Funding for Monarch Butterfly Habitat Available to Iowa Farmers
Iowa farmers who want to increase habitat for Monarch butterflies on their land now have opportunities to receive funding for conservation practices that attract Monarchs. The Monarch butterfly has declined precipitously in recent decades, and is currently undergoing a status review for potential federal listing. Iowa is one of nine states along the Monarch’s core...
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Green Farmstead Partner Program Expands Network of Landscapers
West Des Moines, IA – April 11, 2016 – Over 66,000 trees have been planted on Iowa livestock farms through the efforts of the Green Farmstead Partner program. But trees aren’t the only thing growing; the program’s network of landscapers, individuals who have expertise in designing tree plantings and windbreaks for farms, is also growing....
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CSIF Tips of the Month – April 2016
Growing the Green Farmstead Partner Program’s Network of Landscapers We’re excited to announce several additions to the Green Farmstead Partner program’s network of landscapers! These landscapers have expertise in designing windbreaks for rural areas, and specifically livestock barns and feedlots. Five new landscapers have joined the program, bringing the total number of participating landscapers to...
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Being a Successful Farmer Means Being a Good Neighbor
Raising livestock and poultry takes time, money and attention to detail. It also requires farmers who are growing their livestock farms visit with their neighbors about their intentions prior to moving dirt. Farmers wanting to build new livestock and poultry barns need to be respectful of their neighbors and willing to communicate their plans to...
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Species Selection: An Overview
Using the right species of tree in the right place is critical to the long-term success of your new windbreak. With the help and expertise of Trees Forever, we’ve compiled a list of suggested species, broken out by various categories. Be sure to read “Back to the Basics: Windbreaks and Tree Species Selection” first for...
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