Raasch Family Hosts New Hog Barn Open House

11-19-2013 in Events

Event to Highlight New Environmental Safeguards, Economics and Technology

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – November 19, 2013 – Families, neighbors and community members are invited to attend an open house and complimentary lunch Wednesday, November 27 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Matt and Janene Raasch farm outside of Odeobolt. The Raasch family will offer tours of their new barn, explain how they raise livestock and showcase new technology and environmental safeguards they are using.

The farm is located at 1545 280th Street, Odebolt, Iowa.

The event is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), The Maschhoff’s, Sac County Pork Producers, Sac County Farm Bureau, Jorden Ag Enterprises, Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative, United Bank of Iowa and First Co-op.

“Our family is deeply rooted in Sac County and have always been involved in the community that we live in,” said Matt Raasch.  “I represent five generations of farmers on my father’s side and four generations of farmers on my mother’s side and all have raised livestock here in Sac County.  My family has decided to grow our farm so that our children can carry on our family’s legacy.  We understand that for this legacy to continue we must be conscious of the environment and our neighbors.”

Experts from CSIF will also be available to provide insight into interpreting rules and regulations impacting animal agriculture, enhancing relationships with neighbors and choosing good locations for new barns and feedlots. CSIF assistance is available to farm families at no charge.

“Iowa livestock farmers are community-minded and take great pride in their work and commitment to the well-being of their animals and the environment,” says Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director.  “It’s also no secret that livestock production has a positive impact on the local economy.  The construction and day-to-day operation of a 2,499 head hog barn like the Raasch’s will create 12 jobs and have a $1,882,057 economic impact to Sac County in the first year alone.”  More information on the economic impact of livestock in Sac County is available here.

CSIF is a non-profit, non-lobbying organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on identifying good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost.  This positive, solutions-based approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Midwest Dairy Association.  For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

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