How much milk does a cow produce?  Why are pigs raised indoors?  Does livestock production harm the environment?  Is the food I buy safe?

Northwest Iowa farmers know that consumers have lots of question about how their food is produced. On October 28, they are hosting a unique event at Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa to give the public a chance to go straight to the source with those questions.

Western Iowa Dairy Alliance and Dordt College are joining with the Iowa Poultry Association, Center Fresh Egg Farms, Northwest Iowa Cattlemen's Association, and Sioux County Pork Producers to host a "Meet a Farmer" social and bring radio personality and agricultural advocate Trent Loos to Sioux Center on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010.

Opportunity to answer questions about food and agriculture

"We're excited about the opportunity to answer questions about farming and livestock production," says Lee Maassen, a Maurice, Iowa dairy farmer and president of the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance. "Agriculture is a driving force in our economy and farmers play important roles in communities across Northwest Iowa.  We are proud of the way we care for our animals and land, and are happy to share our stories."

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Dordt College student recreation center with a social featuring cheese, beef, pork and poultry appetizers and the opportunity to interact with family farmers from all the host organizations.  Trent Loos' presentation will begin at 7:15 p.m. in B.J. Haan auditorium. 

Trent Loos is a sixth-generation farmer and broadcaster whose focus is bridging the gap between agricultural producers and consumers.  His presentation will highlight the importance of a safe food supply to our nation's security. Trent's radio programs can be heard on more than 100 radio stations across the U.S., and he has a listening audience of more than 4 million people. 

Food producers need to understand the demands of consumers

During the afternoon of Oct. 28, Loos will also be speaking to Dordt College students and a special session of more than 300 high school students from northwest Iowa and surrounding states. 

"Trent brings a unique perspective on agriculture and the connection between farmers and consumers," says John Olthoff, professor of agriculture at Dordt College. "It is especially important for the next generation of food producers to understand the demands of consumers and be able to communicate with their neighbors and community leaders."

Tickets to the "Meet a Farmer" social and Loos presentation may be purchased for $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Ticket locations include:
• Deluxe Feeds in Sheldon
• Sioux Dairy Equipment and Valley Dairy Automation in Rock Valley
• Central Vet Clinic and Primebank in Sioux Center
• Orange City Vet Clinic and Iowa State Bank in Orange City
• Iowa State Bank in Hull

For more information, visit www.wiadairy.com. Western Iowa Dairy Alliance is a non-profit organization working as advocates for the dairy producer and all those who support this industry with commitment and integrity, allowing us to bring the very best, most nourishing products to market, every day. 

Dordt College is a Christian, liberal arts college in Sioux Center, Iowa. It was ranked third among 95 Midwest schools on U.S. News and World Report's 2011 America's Best Regional Colleges and was one of only two regional colleges nationwide recognized for "A Strong Commitment to Teaching." For more information, visit www.dordt.edu.