Posted Aug. 10, 2012

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers is hosting its eighth annual Farming for the Future Conference to help livestock farm families grow existing farms, provide an update on rules and regulations, and look at the financial feasibility of raising livestock today. The conference will be held Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Iowa State Center’s Scheman Building in Ames.

“Farming for the Future Conference: Iowa and Livestock – A Time of Opportunity” will provide unique insight from industry experts such as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, Tom Earley of Agralytica, Eldon McAfee of Beving Swanson & Forrest law firm and Moe Russell of Russell Consulting Group that will help livestock farmers successfully and responsibly grow their farms, comply with rules and regulations and provide ideas and strategies to help young people return to the farm.

“The Coalition received a record number of inquiries from livestock farmers over the past year, many from young people wanting to get into farming or from their parents wanting more information about options to bring their children into the farm operation, ” said Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director. “This year’s ‘Farming for the Future Conference’ is designed to provide Iowa’s livestock farmers the tools necessary to not only stay on the farm, but to grow their livestock farm successfully and responsibly.”

This year’s conference will feature several topics, including: an overview of the economic impact livestock agriculture has on the state of Iowa, effects regulations have on farm families and the economy, rules and regulations update and outlook, and financial feasibility of raising livestock today.  There will also be a panel of livestock farmers who will candidly share how and why they made the decision to raise livestock and poultry in Iowa.  For a complete agenda and to meet the farmers on the panel click here.

Registration, including a complimentary lunch, is free if completed by Aug. 17. A $20 fee will be charged for registrations after Aug. 17. For more information about the conference or to register, visit www.supportfarmers.com/conference or call (800) 932-2436. Space is limited so register early.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly.  It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.