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How Planting Trees Benefits Hog Farms
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Why should you plant trees on your hog farm? For Aaron & Kali Wenger of Fayette County, a lot of consideration went into the decision to establish a windbreak on their farm. By utilizing the Green Farmstead Partner Program, the Wengers can be confident in their investment in the farm’s future.
First and foremost, Aaron & Kali were well aware of the aesthetic and visual screening benefits of planting trees. Additionally, the trees will help to control snow so it’s not deposited on driveways, feed bunks, pit fans or roofs, reduce odor, and conserve energy in livestock buildings.
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All livestock farmers are eligible for the Green Farmstead Partner Program, no matter the type or size of operation. So, how do you get started?
The best place to begin is to personally assess your farm site, determine your goals and develop a timeline for when you would want to start and complete your project. However, we understand that it can be difficult to know how to start the process. That is why we are here! If you have questions, are unsure of what your best options are or would just like some ideas, call the Coalition at 800.932.2436.
By utilizing the Green Farmstead Partner Program, you will also be connected to a network landscape & nursery experts that are available to design a cost-effective and time-efficient windbreak for your farm.
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Doing Good in the Neighborhood
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Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award Honorees
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Aaron & Kali Wenger
Wenger Family Farms in Fayette County was homesteaded in 1886, earning its Century Farm distinction in 1988. They raise corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, along with a custom swine feeding operation and beef herd. Aaron also manages Wenger Seed and custom farms for a handful of neighbors.
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Riessen Family
Based outside of Ida Grove, this generational family farm has been in the Riessen family for 80 years and is owned and operated by Jolene Riessen and her sons, Cory and Lee. Her husband David was also very active in the operation prior to his passing three years ago. The family grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa and has a cow-calf operation and feedlot. Agriculture and farming have been the center of Jolene’s life for so long she says she can’t imagine doing anything else.
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Albert & Vicki Martin
Five generations of the Martin family have practiced what it means to be a good neighbor. The Linn County operation includes corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and cattle. The Martins also play a very active role in their community, especially when it comes to agriculture education. In addition to hosting field trips on the farm and giving presentations at local schools, the family provides a local FFA member a place to house his chickens.
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Good Neighbor Tip of the Month
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Getting ready to haul manure this fall? Communicate your plans with your neighbors. Ask if they have any family gatherings or events planned during your estimated application time frame. They will appreciate your consideration!
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CSIF at the Iowa State Fair
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“Nothing compares to the Iowa State Fair.”
This 10 day-long celebration draws in thousands of Iowans each year and boasts a variety of opportunities for fairgoers to engage in agriculture. CSIF had the opportunity to take advantage of this in a few ways.
Farm Bureau Day at the Iowa State Fair took place Tuesday, August 16th, where CSIF visited with Iowa farmers and answered questions regarding rules and regulations as well as best management practices. On Wednesday, August 17th, the team spent the morning in the Animal Learning Center volunteering with the farrowing display. (pictured above)
CSIF additionally sponsored WHO’s streaming of both the Governor’s Charity Steer Show (August 13) and the Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pull.
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2022 Photo Contest
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The Coalition’s annual photo contest kicked off on August 1st and wrapped up on the 24th. Nearly 30 photos depicting agriculture were submitted and voted on via the CSIF Facebook page. Three category winners were chosen, as well as an overall winner. Winning photos were selected by the amount of “likes” (votes) the image received. Check out your favorites below!
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Overall Winner
Zack Lear, Clay County
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Portrait Category Winner
Becky Branstetter, Harrison County // “Love at first sight”
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Livestock Category Winner
Zack Lear, Clay County
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Landscape Category Winner
Kaeli Johnson, Calhoun County // “A Farmer’s Blessing”
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Upcoming Events
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Good Farm Neighbor Award – Cattle Farmers September 6, 2022 | Meriden, IA
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Join the Coalition, Big Show and the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship as we recognize the latest Good Farm Neighbor Award winner!
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Good Farm Neighbor Award – Dairy Farmers September 15, 2022 | Monona, IA
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Join the Coalition, Big Show and the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship as we recognize the latest Good Farm Neighbor Award winner!
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