Farmers interested in learning about the benefits of raising cattle under roof are invited to attend an open house at the Rick, Ann, Randy and Amy Cook farm on Wednesday, October 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Dubuque County in northeast Iowa. The Cook farm is located at 32733 Rockville Road, near the town of Worthington. The event is open to the public and a complimentary meal will be provided.

CATTLE UNDER ROOF: The open house will showcase the economic development new livestock farms create while highlighting how modern livestock buildings enhance animal care and safeguard the environment. For example, the Cooks open house will feature a new 499 head deep-pitted cattle barn complete with rubber mats on the slats for cattle comfort.

The open house will showcase the economic development new livestock farms create while highlighting how modern livestock buildings enhance animal care and safeguard the environment. For example, the Cooks open house will feature a new 499 head deep-pitted cattle barn complete with rubber mats on the slats for cattle comfort.

New facility will demonstrate latest technology for cattle feeding
The Cook family will offer tours of the new facility, explain how livestock is raised and demonstrate the latest technology used in cattle feeding. "This is a perfect opportunity for farmers to see the benefits of raising cattle under roof and talk directly to farmers who are doing it successfully," says Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director. "There will also be an opportunity to hear from the event sponsors about the products and services they have available to assist cattle farmers."

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.

CSIF assists farmers on livestock building rules, regulations
The open house is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, Ross River Service Center, Wick Buildings, Easy Fix, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Dubuque County Cattlemen, Dubuque County Farm Bureau, Big Gain Feed, Weber Concrete, Bard Materials, Boge Trailer, Budden Well/Shawvers Well, Wulfekuhle Electric, Custom Precast, Murrays, Fidelity Bank and Trust, John Bonert Backhoe and Trenching, Maquoketa Valley REC, Tri Vet, Roll O' Matic and Iowa Concrete Products.

CSIF is a nonprofit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. For more information, call 800-932-2436 or visit the CSIF website.

The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It's a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.