Posted Dec. 11, 2014

More than 200 people took the opportunity to attend a public open house of a new Floyd County hog barn on Dec. 1.

Neighbors, relatives and community members enjoyed tours of the facility on the Souder farm near Rudd and a complimentary pork lunch sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Guests visited with family members and learned more about how the Souders raise livestock, use technology to care for them and safeguard the environment.

“Contributing to our community has always been important to us and I’m especially excited to share some of the new efficiencies this hog barn will employ to provide more safeguards for the environment,” Chuck Souder said. “This barn will also save energy by utilizing the 47kw solar array on the roof and dimmable LED lighting inside the building.”

CSIF staff also provided guests with insight into interpreting rules and regulations impacting animal agriculture, enhancing relationships with neighbors and choosing good locations for new barns and feedlots.

“This farm has been in our family since my parents purchased it in 1943,” said Souder. “Our family’s farming history goes back at least six generations and we’re proud to keep the tradition going.

The Souder family invited guests to bring a non-perishable item or make a donation to a local food pantry to address food insecurity in Floyd County.