JFAN to hold virtual meeting Thursday

Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors Inc. (JFAN) is planning to hold its annual meeting via Zoom on Thursay, Jan. 20.

The meeting, rescheduled from November, will involve screening a short film documenting a JFAN-led tour of 16 confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Penn Township, Jefferson County. Virtual attendees will hear brief histories and stories about each factory farm narrated by JFAN President and Executive Director Diane Rosenberg.

"’The CAFOs of Jefferson County’ succinctly illustrates why we must remain vigilant in order to protect our county and why we must continue to work towards a factory farm moratorium,“ Rosenberg said.

The event will last from 7-8 p.m. The event is free. JFAN has a suggested donation of $5.

Featured presenters and their topics are:

Dr. John Ikerd - Agricultural Economist and Professor Emeritus, University of Missouri at Columbia

• How Iowa became a hub of industrial hog production

• Why and how we need to continue to protect Jefferson County­

Francis Thicke – Regenerative Farmer and Co-owner of Radiance Dairy in Fairfield

• Regenerative alternatives to factory farms that are nourishing for the community and environment

Jocelyn Engman – Co-owner Pickle Creek Herbs

• A firsthand experience of operating a sustainable farm and formerly living in Penn Township

Visit www.jfaniowa.org or call 641-209-6600 for more information.