Members of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers board of directors have elected new officers. Craig Floss, chief executive officer of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, is named president. Rich Degner, executive director of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, will serve as CSIF board vice president while Denny Presnall, executive director/secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, is elected secretary-treasurer.

Floss has served as a member of the CSIF board since the organization's launch in May 2004 and says the organization remains dedicated to serving the needs of Iowa's farm families who raise livestock.
"With the support of our member organizations and many partners, the Coalition is having a direct and positive impact on Iowa agriculture," Floss says. "In our five years of work, we've provided assistance to more than 1,200 families in raising livestock responsibly and successfully; from properly locating new bans and feedlots and implementing best-management practices to enhancing neighbor relations and following all rules and regulations.

Helping farm families raise livestock the right way

"Our focus has been at the farm gate, helping families do things right when it comes to raising livestock, hogs and poultry. That focus will not change."

Floss says CSIF will also continue to share the story of responsible livestock farming with all Iowans. "Research shows that when people are more familiar with what livestock farmers do regarding animal well-being, environmental stewardship and being good neighbors, the more confident and supportive they are of the families involved in this important way of life.  That's critical given agriculture's role in creating and sustaining jobs and keeping farm families active on the land and in their communities."

The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, visit www.supportfarmers.com, is a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association and Iowa Turkey Federation.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization provides, at no cost, assistance to farmers wanting to raise livestock responsibly.  CSIF doesn't lobby or develop policy. Farmers wanting a helping hand can contact CSIF at 800-932-2436.