Farmers interested in learning about the benefits of raising cattle under roof are invited to attend an open house at the Brandt and Stacy Ferry family farm, tour their new cattle building and enjoy a complimentary lunch on Friday, November 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Ferry farm is located at 1922 Street F32, Kirkman, Iowa.

LIVESTOCK FARMING: Every community in Iowa depends on agriculture for jobs and economic vitality. However, the importance of crop and livestock farming to an area's economic well-being is even more pronounced in the state's rural areas. Visit CSIF online for more information.

"The open house is a great opportunity to see how modern livestock buildings enhance animal care and safeguard the environment and also how much livestock contributes to our local economy," said CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. The open house will feature a new 600-head deep-pitted cattle barn with rubber mats on the slats for cattle comfort, under-roof working facilities and a cat walk above the pens.

Event to highlight environmental safeguards and animal care 
Shelby County's family farms and agriculture businesses employ 29% of the county's workforce, bringing over $156 million in wages to the county. These economic contributions enhance the local communities, schools and quality of life for all residents.

Attendees at the November 20 open house will also learn about the latest technology used in cattle feeding. "This is a perfect opportunity for farmers to see the benefits of raising cattle under roof and get their questions answered by farmers who are doing it successfully," Waddingham says. "There will also be opportunity to interact with industry partners 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 livestock farms, enhancing relationships with neighbors and choosing good locations for new barns and feedlots. CSIF assistance is available to farm families at no charge.

CSIF provides insight to help farmers comply with rules
The open house on November 20 is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) and Iowa Beef Systems.

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 www.supportfarmers.com.

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