Latest News
Swanson Joins Coalition Team as Summer Intern
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – May 19, 2014 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) is pleased to announce the addition of Adelai Swanson, who will serve as the organization’s intern. Swanson will assist the organization by coordinating farmer and ag student education and outreach activities. She will also assist with the day-to-day operations...
Read MoreIowa Youth Optimistic About Agriculture
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – May 13, 2014 – A recent survey conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) of Iowa FFA members shows agriculture is a strong factor in keeping Iowa’s youth in the state. Approximately 97 percent of respondents have a positive outlook on agriculture’s future in the state and 86...
Read MoreCSIF Celebrates 10 Years of Helping Iowa Livestock Farm Families
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – May 9, 2014 – May is a milestone for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), marking 10 years helping more than 2,700 Iowa livestock farm families successfully and responsibly grow their farms — and their communities. CSIF was started by farmers for farmers to help them implement best management...
Read MoreCSIF Tips of the Month – May 2014
Rules and Regulations Highlight Construction Requirements for Small Animal Feeding Operations The requirements to build a new livestock or poultry confinement barn vary based on the animal unit capacity of the farm. Remember to include the animal units from the proposed project, as well as any other animals you own that are housed in a...
Read MoreMay Beef Month Tribute
By: Adelai Swanson, CSIF Intern The month of May not only ushers in spring planting, graduations, and summer plans, but also Beef Month! Take the time to enjoy the beautiful weather and put some beef on the grill! As you prepare for summer picnics and family gatherings try a new recipe and add beef to...
Read MoreCSIF Tips of the Month – April 2014
Iowa Agriculture Poised for Positive Growth The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) has received a record number of inquiries from livestock farmers in the past three months, indicating that expectations for agriculture’s future in Iowa are very positive. The questions range from farmers needing assistance in siting new hog or cattle buildings, help with...
Read MoreMarty and Michael Burken to Receive Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award
West Des Moines, Iowa – April 16, 2014 – The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) commends Marty and Michael Burken, who run Blue Hyll Dairy in Clinton County, for their outstanding efforts as neighbors and community leaders. They have been named the April recipients of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor award. Iowa Secretary of...
Read MoreExpert Tips for a Successful Tree Planting
Adapted from “A Guide for Installing Vegetative Environmental Buffers,” written by Trees Forever and published by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Thinking about planting trees this spring? Here are some must-have tips to make sure your tree planting is successful. The first step is to assess your site and determine your goals. Next, it is...
Read MoreHoward County Farm Family Sees Value in Trees
Jason Ludwig was spending a lot of time in the winter moving snow at his hog sites and decided he needed to do something different. “We were digging pit fans out all the time. We tried plastic snow fence, but the wind blew so hard that it tore it up. We needed something more permanent,”...
Read MoreHoward County Farm Family Sees Value in Trees: Ludwig Family
Jason Ludwig was spending a lot of time in the winter moving snow at his hog sites and decided he needed to do something different. “We were digging pit fans out all the time. We tried plastic snow fence, but the wind blew so hard that it tore it up. We needed something more permanent,”...
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