Farmers interested in learning about the benefits of raising cattle under roof are invited to attend an open house at the Robbins family farm to tour Justin and Lacie Robbins new cattle building on Friday, March 14 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  A complimentary lunch will be served at11:30 a.m. with a program to follow at noon. The Robbins farm is located at 904 Emerald Avenue, Scranton, Iowa.

 “The open house is a great opportunity to see how modern livestock buildings enhance animal care and safeguard the environment and how much livestock contributes to our local economy,” said CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. The open house will feature a new 325 head deep-bedded cattle barn with space for 125 cow-calf pairs, 125 feeder calves and 75 fat cattle. The barn will be used year-round with a spring and fall calving herd.

“We’ve definitely seen an increased interest from farmers in placing cattle underroof,” said Waddingham.  “This option allows the farmer easy access to monitor the animals and also protects them from inclement weather.  The cattle barn also has several unique features including a covered manure bay and headlocks instead of feed bunks the length of the building. The open house will provide Iowa’s cattle farmers with the opportunity to see firsthand cows calving under roof and help them determine if this option is right for them.”

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The award winners embody the diversity of Iowa’s pig farms and the dedicated individuals who support pork producers. Mowrer receives this award posthumously.

Kent Mowrer – A Legacy of Helping Farmers

Growing up on a family farm in Iowa, Kent Mowrer was deeply rooted in agriculture, a connection he maintained throughout his life. As the Senior Field Coordinator for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Kent was dedicated to advancing the state’s agricultural sector.

Kent’s role involved visiting with livestock farmers to answer their questions, whether over the phone or by sitting down with them on their farms. His primary responsibility was to help Iowa’s livestock industry grow successfully and responsibly. Known for his extensive knowledge of rules and regulations, Kent was a valuable resource for farmers seeking guidance.

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Septer will assist with CSIF’s mission to support the farmers of Iowa and contribute to CSIF’s social media, event coordination, industry relations, and communication strategies.

Septer is a sophomore at Iowa State University (ISU) pursuing a double major in Agricultural Communication and Agricultural and Rural Policy Studies. In addition, Septer serves as a member of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, Block and Bridle, and the Agriculture Policy Club. Prior to attending Iowa State University, Septer grew up in Ackworth, Iowa attending Pleasantville High School where her involvement in 4-H and FFA contributed to her growing interest in agriculture.

“Through personal experiences of working show stock and raising cattle as a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project for FFA, I was better able to understand the impact of agriculture and how important consumer education is when discussing where our food comes from. By serving as the 2025 CSIF intern, I am excited to share the story of Iowa agriculture, gain exposure, support Iowa farm families, and expand my skills as a communicator.” says Septer

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Jason and Jamie Sherer

Owned by Jason and Jami Sherer and their daughters Sydney and Brylee, Cobb Hollow Farm began in 2018 when Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) and Costco announced an expanded partnership to increase poultry production in the region. The Sherers got involved in the LPP grower network as a breeder flock that produces eggs to be hatched at a hatchery.

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2025 Iowa’s Best Burger Contest

Iowa’s hard working pig farmers are a vital component of the state’s economy, as shown by a new study released by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The data verifies Iowa’s status as the number one pork producing state in the nation, providing 33% of the U.S. hog inventory, and creating more than 120,000 jobs.

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USDA Releases Approximately $20 Million of Paused Inflation Reduction Act Funding That Had Been Under Review

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced today that USDA will release the first tranche of funding that had been paused due to a review of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) allocations.

Following White House directives, USDA is honoring existing contracts with farmers, releasing approximately $20 million for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

“American farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our nation,” said Rollins, citing regulatory burdens, environmental policies, and inflation as major challenges. She criticized the Biden administration’s handling of IRA funding but affirmed commitments to farmers who had already made investments.

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Eight-Five Counties Adopt Master Matrix

Eighty-five of Iowa’s ninety-nine counties adopted the livestock Master Matrix for the upcoming 12 months Confinement sites who need a construction permit in those counties must meet additional requirements before they can build, modify or expand. County supervisors in the participating counties can provide input to producers and make recommendations to DNR on approving construction permits. Find detailed information on the matrix on DNR’s AFO construction permit webpage; under Additional Construction Information: Master Matrix.

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