Latest News
Wiley Family to Receive Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
West Des Moines, Iowa – March 23, 2016 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) commends the Wiley family of Benton County for their outstanding efforts as a neighbors and community leaders. They have been named recipients of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey will present the award...
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Norwalk Landscaper Joins Green Farmstead Partner Program
West Des Moines, Iowa – March 22, 2016 — Bedwell Gardens of Norwalk has been designated a participating landscape professional in the Green Farmstead Partner program. The on-farm environmental initiative promotes the planning and installation of tree plantings on livestock and poultry farms. It’s a collaborative effort involving the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Trees...
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Clear Lake Landscaper Joins Green Farmstead Partner Program
West Des Moines, Iowa – March 22, 2016 — Country Landscapes of Clear Lake has been designated a participating landscape professional in the Green Farmstead Partner program. The on-farm environmental initiative promotes the planning and installation of tree plantings on livestock and poultry farms. It’s a collaborative effort involving the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers,...
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Species Selection: Native Grasses
There are many options to consider as you design a windbreak. First, consider your goals for a new tree planting. Native grasses can be a good option for certain situations and different areas on livestock farms. If native grasses are something that interest you, below is an excerpt and list of suggestions from “A Guide for...
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CSIF Tips of the Month: March 2016
Think Spring, Think Trees The month of February brought a spike in calls to the Coalition from farmers with questions about tree plantings. Trees, when planted in the right places, can be very beneficial on livestock farms. They can reduce odor by 10-15 percent, while also providing visual screening, improving neighbor relations, controlling wind and...
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Summit Livestock Facilities Renews Investment in CSIF
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – February 24, 2016 – Summit Livestock Facilities confirmed its support of Iowa agriculture through a $10,000 investment in the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF). “At Summit Livestock Facilities we take pride in constructing livestock buildings that provide comfortable conditions for the animals, protect the environment and help sustain family...
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Hot Topics in Windbreak Options
A windbreak can be more than just a windbreak. It can provide wildlife and pollinator habitat, landscaping aesthetics, and even additional farm income. At the recent Green Farmstead Partner Program Conference, hosted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, a panel of experts addressed participating landscape professionals highlighting three of today’s hottest trending topics: Agroforestry...
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Helping to Pay the Bill
In addition to information resources and onsite consultation, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers’ Green Farmstead Partner program offers cost-share benefits. By working through anyone of the 22 registered nursery professionals across the state, a $250 cost-share is available for purchase of plants and professional services. Trees Forever also provides cost-share benefits through its Working...
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What Makes a Good Windbreak?
Planting a windbreak at your livestock facility site can enhance protection from Iowa’s winds and snow, and also improve relations with your neighbors. “If you can’t see it, you can’t smell it,” says CSIF Field Representative Kent Mowrer. It’s true. Iowa State University research shows trees can reduce odor by 10-15 percent by capturing dust...
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Livestock Farmers Urged to be Careful as Nuisance Suits Rise
Reprinted with permission of the Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman By Dirck Steimel A recent rise in the number of nuisance lawsuits against Iowa livestock farms means farmers need to redouble their efforts to place their barns on suitable sites, work hard to minimize odors, establish good relations with neighbors and take other steps to help reduce the potential of...
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