Farmers interested in learning about the benefits of raising cattle under roof are invited to attend an open house at the Curtis Meier farm on August 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Meier family farm is located at 2175 180th Street, near Clarinda in southwest Iowa. The event is open to the public and a complimentary meal will be provided.

HELPING PRODUCERS: The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was established in 2004 to help farmers who raise livestock do is successfully and responsibly. CSIF assists producers in navigating the maze of state and federal regulations.

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 Meier family open house will feature a new 550 head deep-pitted cattle barn featuring rubber mats on the slats for cattle comfort. They will have tours of the new facility and demonstrate the latest technology in cattle feeding.

Event to highlight environmental safeguards and animal care 

“This is a perfect opportunity for farmers to see the benefits of raising cattle under roof and to get their questions answered by farmers who are doing it successfully,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. “There will also be an opportunity to interact with industry partners about the products and services they have available to assist cattle farmers.”

The open house is sponsored by CSIF, Animat, Blue River Waterers, Bedrock Concrete, Curry-Wille & Associates, Iron Specialties, Inc., Natural Fertilizer Services, New Balance Commodities and Roll-O-Matic.

Interpreting rules and regulations for livestock producers

Experts from CSIF will 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 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 supportfarmers.com.

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 Egg Council, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.