Families, neighbors and community members are invited to tour Farson Livestock LLC's new hog barn at an open house Nov. 23 near Hedrick in southeast Iowa. Attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and visit with members of the Sterling and Vandehaar families to learn more about how they raise livestock, use technology to care for their livestock and how they safeguard the environment. The open house will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farson Livestock, LLC is located at 5349 180th Street, Hedrick, Iowa. 

OPEN HOUSE: Jim

"This farm has been in our family since my grandparents purchased it in 1946," says Jim Sterling. "Our family's farming history goes back to when my great-great grandfather purchased land in 1869 in Competine Township in Wapello County. Livestock has always been a big part of our family operation and we're proud to keep the tradition going. Contributing to our community has always been important to us."

Iowa farmers take pride in their work, take care of their animals
Experts from the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (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.

The open house is sponsored by CSIF, JBS Live Pork LLC, Precision Structures, Inc., Farm Credit Services of America and Iowa Pork Producers Association. "Iowa livestock farmers are community-minded and take great pride in their work and commitment to the well-being of their animals and the environment," says Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director. "It's also no secret that livestock production has a positive impact on the local economy."

Livestock production has a positive effect on local economy
Wapello County's family farms and agriculture businesses employ 37% of the county's workforce, bringing over $360 million in wages to the county. These economic contributions enhance the local communities, schools and quality of life for all residents.

CSIF is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on identifying good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. This positive, solutions-based approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Midwest Dairy Association. For more information, call 800-932-2436 or visit supportfarmers.com.