Conference provides financing strategies for livestock farmers

WEST DES MOINES — The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers hosted its 19th Farming for the Future conference last month, welcoming more than 225 people looking for assistance to put up their first livestock barn or to grow their current livestock farm.

The annual event is a chance for farmers, especially young farmers, to garner firsthand information crucial to developing their livestock operations in a responsible, sustainable way, says a press release from the Coalition.

This year’s conference, “Financing Your Livestock Farm,” featured presentations by industry specialists Christopher Pudenz, an economist with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Brian Gossling with the Iowa Farm Service Agency; Tammy Nebola and Nicki Howell with the Iowa Finance Authority; Farm Business Development Manager Amanda Van Steenwyk with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation; Erin Herbold-Swalwell, senior counsel with Wickham and Geadelmann PLLC; and Derek Namanny with the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship.

Topics ranged from how the lending process works for new livestock projects to farm succession planning and the legal aspects of bringing the next generation back to the farm, as well as Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship information on low interest loan programs available for new and established livestock farms, the press release said.

Past conferences have focused on rules and regulations, raising cows under roof, enhancing neighbor relations and emerging opportunities in the state’s livestock industry.

To stay up to date with the latest rules and regulations, coming events and future programs and conferences, farmers should sign up for a monthly newsletter — Through the Gate — or listen to discussions on the latest agriculture related topics on the Fenceline Podcast with WHO broadcaster Bob Quinn.

Access to the newsletter and podcast are available on the CSIF website supportfarmers.com.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly, the press release says.

It’s a partnership of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy and the North Central Poultry Association.

The non-profit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy.

Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 1-800-932-2436 or online at supportfarmers.com.