SPRING 2020
LIVESTOCK IOWA
INSIDER
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GAB’S GRATITUDES
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LIVESTOCK 101
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KENT’S KORNER
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THE PEYTON POST
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REPORT SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES NEAR LIVESTOCK + POULTRY FARMS
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CELEBRATING EARTH DAY AS STEWARDS OF THE LAND
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RESOURCES FOR FISH + SHRIMP FARMERS
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HOW COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED OUR FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN + IOWA PORK PRODUCERS
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IOWA TURKEY FEDERATION
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IOWA POULTRY ASSOCIATION
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MAY IS BEEF MONTH IN IOWA
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ISA COMMUNICATIONS SQUAD OFFERS VALUE TO MEMBERS
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MAY 2020 IOWA CATTLEMAN MAGAZINE
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MANAGING FARM STRESS IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19: 3-PART SERIES
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JANUARY 2020 IOWA CORN ROOTS
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MIDWEST DAIRY DONATES $500,000 TO FOOD BANKS
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IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
GAB’S GRATITUDES
D
uring this time of the unknown, know one thing is for sure, we are here for you!
I
n this issue, you’ll find many resources to help you get through these tough times in the agriculture industry. The Iowa Farm Bureau + other commodity groups have published helpful content to assist with the stress + uncertainty many of us might be experiencing. Know that you are not alone!
W
hile many in-person events might be postponed, know that we look forward to rescheduling when the time is right + we can gather safely.
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e are thankful for you + the effort farmers continue to put forth on the front-lines during COVID-19 + every other day of the year.
R
emember, we are only a phone call, text or e-mail away! We will get through this together!
Gabby Glenister IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
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LIVESTOCK 101
Brian Waddingham // Executive Director
T
SOUND SITING DECISIONS A CORNERSTONE OF SUCCESSFUL LIVESTOCK FARMS
here are numerous decisions that have to be made before putting up a new livestock facility. While assessing regulatory compliance and finding a good site are only pieces of that decision-making process, they are extremely important to the long-term success of your farm.
Iowa has rules that apply to all livestock operations, no matter the size. It is important to know those requirements up-front. And it is crucial to have an outside set of eyes look at your site to help ensure there aren’t any other considerations you may have overlooked. It is imperative to take neighboring residences, businesses, towns and public use areas into consideration. Just because you own the ground, doesn’t necessarily make it a good place to build.
The Coalition stands ready to help farm families with siting new livestock facilities + assessing their farms compliance with rules + regulations – all at no charge + completely confidential.
For more insight into siting considerations, check out this article or call the Coalition directly at 800.932.2436.
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KENT’S KORNER
WHICH WAY DOES THE WIND BLOW?
E
ldon McAfee (Legal Counsel for Iowa Pork Producers Association) puts it best, “What would be better than winning a nuisance lawsuit? Not being in a nuisance lawsuit”. That sounds great, but how do you do that? One major component of avoiding a nuisance lawsuit, especially if you’re building a new livestock barn, is considering prevailing wind direction and topography. Prevailing wind direction during the summer months needs to be considered in order to limit the exposure to neighbors. Prevailing wind direction can vary depending on your location in the state. Determining the percentage of time the wind is blowing from a particular direction can give farmers a better understanding on the duration of time neighbors may be impacted by odor. Knowing the impact of prevailing winds on your neighbors could change the location of your proposed livestock barn.
Kent Mowrer // Senior Field Coordinator
Topography Topography must also be considered when siting new livestock barns. During the evening hours, air cools and will flow downhill which will move the odor-filled air into low lying areas. When proposing a new barn on a hill, take into consideration where the air could move during the evening and what proximity your potential neighbors are to your proposed site so that you are limiting their exposure to odor.
I
f that sounds like a lot to consider, don’t worry! The Coalition stands ready to lend a hand and give you peace of mind that your livestock barn is sited in the best location. Give us a call at 800.932.2436 and schedule a no-cost, confidential farm visit where Coalition staff will come to your farm to help you assess your site so you can make the best decision for your farm and your neighbors.
Complete history from themaschhoffs.com IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
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STAFF Brian Waddingham Executive Director Kent Mowrer Senior Field Coordinator Gabby Glenister Assistant Field Specialist Kelsi Carlson Communications Intern
PARTNERS Iowa Beef Industry Council Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
HELLO
Iowa Corn Grower’s Association Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Iowa Pork Producers Association Iowa Poultry Association Iowa Soybean Association Iowa Turkey Federation Midwest Dairy
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IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
5400 University Ave. West Des Moines, Iowa 50266 800.932.2436 supportfarmers.com
THE
PEYTON
POST
by Peyton Schmitt // Communications Intern There’s never been a doubt in my mind that farmers are special folks. Whether it’s their resilient spirit, generous heart, or unwavering work ethic, those who make up the agriculture community are amazing people. Having grown up in this industry, I was no stranger to a farmer’s humility, desire to serve others, and love for livestock and the land. However, during my time with the Coalition, I was countlessly reminded of all the reasons to be passionate about agriculture and the producers who are the heartbeat of this industry. It was a true privilege to assist the CSIF team in serving as a resource for farmers during my time with the Coalition. Whether it was recognizing deserving families with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award or assisting farmers in successfully expanding and improving their operations, supporting producers across the state in “doing things right” was rewarding to say the least. In each interaction and farm visit, I was inspired by the intrinsic dedication to raising livestock responsibly, safely, and sustainably which each family possessed.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with such a passionate team of people, serving such hardworking and servant-hearted livestock producers. I will carry the valuable knowledge, skills, and memories I gained through this internship long into the future as I continue to pursue a profession within agricultural communications, which allows me to serve and support those in agriculture. I wholeheartedly believe in the purpose of the Coalition and extend my sincerest thanks to all CSIF stakeholders and supporters who contributed to such a rewarding and worthwhile experience. The growth I witnessed in both myself and the Coalition over the past year makes me exceptionally optimistic about the future, and eager to see the ways which CSIF continues to impact farm families across Iowa for years to come.
In the face of the effects of COVID-19, we realize that this dedication is as important now as it’s ever been. Consumers need access to safe, affordable protein in order to feed their families. This also means that CSIF’s mission of supporting and assisting farmers will continue to be as necessary as ever.
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REPORT SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES NEAR LIVESTOCK + POULTRY FARMS R
ecently, there have been reports of suspicious vehicles parked along the road near livestock + poultry farms throughout the Midwest, including Iowa. In some instances, people are just taking photos of the livestock + poultry barns, but in more extreme cases, people are entering the buildings to take photos + videos of the animals. It is important to be vigilant in monitoring the security of your farm at all times, for the safety of yourself, your family, your employees + the livestock + poultry in your care. Every year the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) receives reports of vandalism +/or theft at livestock and poultry farms. Culprits can include an animal activist making a demonstration, an upset neighbor or community member, a disgruntled employee, or kids pulling a prank.
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CSIF + LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS ENCOURAGE FARMERS TO BE PROACTIVE EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD.
A FEW TIPS •
Vary your routine – If criminals figure out there is a regular schedule, they will have a window of opportunity.
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Utilize a camera or surveillance system – Outdoor cameras work well for vehicle identification. Indoor cameras (placed at the point of entry) help identify people. Options range from low-cost motion-activated cameras with a memory card to high-tech systems that wirelessly stream video to your laptop or smart phone.
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Install security lighting – The more lights, the better. Consider motion-activated lights.
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Secure tools and equipment – Always take keys out + lock every vehicle + piece of equipment. Do not give criminals access to tools to make their crime easier.
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Lock all doors – Lock both exterior + interior doors when you are not at the site. If someone were to break in, don’t make it easy for them to get into other areas.
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Secure doors + door frames – Install steel door frames + doors with deadbolt locks to make them more difficult to break in to.
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Develop an Emergency Action Plan – Make a list of important phone numbers including your veterinarian, neighbors, local emergency management office, insurance agent, fire department, sheriff’s office + employees.
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SHARE THE PLAN WITH FAMILY + EMPLOYEES
MOST PEOPLE THINK THEY WILL NEVER BE THE TARGET, BUT NO ONE CAN ASSUME THEY ARE SAFE,” SAYS CSIF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRIAN WADDINGHAM. “THERE ARE MANY PREVENTATIVE MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE, INCLUDING INSTALLATION OF A SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH IT MAY SEEM EXPENSIVE AT THE TIME, IT IS REALLY A CHEAP INSURANCE POLICY.” If you find a suspicious vehicle near your farm or discover criminals on your property, do not try to apprehend them. Contact local law enforcement. For additional suggestions on preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk, as well as suggestions of what to do if you are the victim of a criminal act, view our vandalism + theft resources.
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O
n April 22, many Iowan’s celebrated Earth Day to inspire awareness + appreciation for the environment. As stewards of the land, today’s farmers are dedicated to improving their operations in order to protect the air, water + soil for future generations. The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers assists farmers in reaching this goal by providing resources to implement best management practices. One popular example includes the Green Farmstead Partner Program.
With the support of Trees Forever + the Iowa Nursery + Landscape Association, the Green Farmstead Partner Program provides livestock farmers the tools they need to “go green” by strategically planting shrubs + trees on their farm sites. Establishing wind breaks is a great way to control snow in the winter, provide shade in the summer + save energy. Acting as a natural filtration system, planted trees + shrubs also reduce odor + enhance the beauty + visual appeal of the landscape. Advancements in science + technology have allowed farmers to make great strides in increasing production while using fewer resources than ever before. Across the state’s 99 counties, Iowa farmers continue to develop innovative ways to reduce their environmental footprint + preserve the land that is home to world renowned soil.
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CELEBRATING
AS STEWARDS OF THE LAND
Effective management of Earth’s resources leaves a lasting impact both on + off the farm. In addition to providing a sustainable model for future generations, environmentally conscious farming decisions also enhance the value of the communities we live in. The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers is committed to helping farmers fulfill their responsibility to preserve the lifestyle, profession + industry that feeds + fuels the world. More information on our Green Farmstead Partner Program.
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+
RESOURCES
FOR FISH
AQUACULTURE PRODUCERS + ALLIED BUSINESSES FACE A HOST OF DIFFICULT DECISIONS AS A RESULT OF THE SEVERE CASH DEFICITS THAT THEY ARE EXPERIENCING WITH THE CLOSURE OF RESTAURANTS + OTHER KEY MARKETS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
SHRIMP 11
IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
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To assist fish + shrimp farmers during this difficult time,
Dr. Carole Engle with Engle-Stone Aquatic$, LLC, presented a 40-minute webinar entitled: Aquaculture Farm Financial Management During the Pandemic, hosted by the National Aquaculture Association + NOAA Sea Grant. The webinar presented some practical considerations + suggestions related to managing cash flow difficulties on aquaculture farms + businesses. Dr. Engle also shared basic financial analytics to determine whether taking on new or additional debt in the form of loans is a wise decision.
FARMERS TO VIEW THE RECORDED WEBINAR, CLICK HERE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AQUACULTURE RESOURCES + OPPORTUNITIES IN IOWA, VISIT OUR WEBSITE.
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HOW COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED OUR FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN + IOWA PORK PRODUCERS The impact COVID-19 is having on Iowa’s pig farmers has been unlike anything we have experienced in our lifetimes. The virus spread makes planning for food production, health care and business a challenge everywhere. Iowa pork producers raise one-third of the pigs in the United States, but that doesn’t happen overnight. It takes approximately 10 months from conception for a pig to be ready to go to market. While we are strategic planners, no one knew 10 months ago that today would look like this. This has disrupted the food supply chain and has led to difficult decisions on the farm. Before the impact of COVID-19, an average workday in Iowa would see 150,000 pigs delivered to pork processing plants in the state. The key engines in those plants are their employees. As employees contracted the virus, their absences significantly reduced processing capacity, and led to some temporary plant closures. The result: an ever-growing bottleneck of pigs at the farm. Pigs continue to reach market weight on our farms in numbers that are normal in a pre-COVID-19 world. Those numbers were supported by consumer demand here in the U.S. and around the world. With pork processing down by nearly 40 percent, we are in an unprecedented situation where farmers cannot get pigs processed so pork cannot get to grocery stores and to our end customer, you. Iowa’s pig farmers have explored every effort to find innovative solutions to process pork and feed local communities. Despite these efforts to keep pork in the food supply chain, bottlenecks from the overall disruption in the chain continue to grow. You should know the impact this is having on the life’s work of Iowa pig farmers. Rather than raising pigs to put a nutritious, affordable protein on your table, we are weighing limited options, including euthanasia of healthy animals. We are also considering what changes we must make in future pork production. Along with you, we are thinking about a new normal. Here is our promise – Iowa’s pig farmers are resilient and will continue to provide safe, nutritious pork and practice our WE CARE ethical principles, even as we face these unprecedented challenges.
STORY SOURCE // IOWA PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION 13
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IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
MAY IS BEEF MONTH IN IOWA
Contact: Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing, Iowa Beef Industry Council, 515.296.2305
The Iowa Beef Industry Council is pleased to announce that May is Beef Month in Iowa. Governor Kim Reynolds has signed the May Beef Month proclamation in recognition of the importance of Iowa’s beef industry to the state’s economy. The Iowa Beef Industry Council is pleased to present the following proclamation. Whereas Iowa is a major beef producing state with nearly 4 million head of cattle on January 1, 2020; and Whereas the beef industry contributes greatly to our economy by generating approximately $4 billion in cash receipts for cattle and calves, equal to nearly 15 percent of all Iowa agricultural cash receipts; and Whereas today’s beef is a naturally nutrient-rich food providing protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins with more than 30 beef cuts that meet the government’s definition for “lean”; and Whereas Iowa is a leader in the export of value-added agriculture products, shipping high-quality Iowa beef to other countries around the world; and Whereas there is an ever-increasing need for better understanding of the benefits that the beef industry provides to all Iowans. Now therefore, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2020 as Beef Month in Iowa, and urge all citizens to appreciate the contributions Iowa’s beef industry continues to provide to our state. ### About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand. For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.
Image: Iowa Beef Industry Council
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Communications Squad participants gather at the ISA office during the February meeting. From front: Pat Murken, Aimee Bissell, Tarin Tiefenthaler, Jim Fitkin, Dave Struthers and Ethan Crow. Photo Credit: Joseph L. Murphy/Iowa Soybean Association
ISA COMMUNICATIONS SQUAD OFFERS VALUE TO MEMBERS BY KATIE JAMES // PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER, IOWA SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION When it comes to a return on investment, the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) knows that for farmers, time is one of the most precious commodities. And for soybean farmer members, ISA is driven to deliver that bang for the buck. Farmer members have several opportunities with ISA after activating their membership. Be it research trials with the ISA Research Center for Farming Innovation to find the best agronomic fit for their farms, or the ISA Experience Class to deliver a firsthand account on the many ways ISA serves farmers. In its third year, the ISA Communications Squad aims to offer farmers that same ROI. The program is driven to empower farmers to be better spokespersons for Iowa agriculture. “Besides the fun of just getting together with other like-minded producers, I’ve really gotten to see the importance of farmers telling the farmer’s story,” said Ethan Crow, an ISA farmer member from
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Marshalltown. “The encouragement to do media interviews is good because it’s important we get to speak for ourselves.” The goal of the ISA Communications Squad is to hone farmers’ skills in telling their own farm story. To do this, farmers meet four times per year to get the latest updates on industry issues, meet and speak face-to-face with television, radio and newspaper reporters, watch other farmers complete media interviews and analyze the best strategies for getting accurate messages to the public. When it comes to issue updates, ISA has top-of-line industry experts representing trade, transportation, research, biofuels, policy and much more. Bringing these experts into Communications Squad sessions allows farmer members to get the latest updates and provides opportunities to ask questions and discuss issues impacting their operations.
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Its important farmers take advantage of the expertise and information ISA staff can provide,” says Grant Kimberley, ISA director of market development. “We work each day to gather the information and help farmers understand the global issues affecting them. We are here to share knowledge and resources with our farmers.” Kimberley has spoken to the group several times on issues related to trade with China and the ins-and-outs of the biodiesel industry. His issue updates are a farmer-rated top-value item of the program. In 2019, 100% of Communications Squad participants reported gaining value from being a participant. Farmers placed the most value on industry updates, such as those from Kimberley, and firsthand interactions with reporters. The closing survey found more than 80% of farmers completing the program rated themselves as “highly comfortable” talking with reporters and non-ag audiences. All of the participants reported they felt more comfortable telling their farm story to non-ag audiences and reporters than before they joined. Every farmer, regardless of farm size or farming experience, can benefit from this program. This year, the squad contains 28 farmers, doubling in size from its inaugural year in 2018. “I’ve gotten to talk with new people and share my story,” said Crow. “That’s an opportunity I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for the Communications Squad.” The central Iowa farmer is one of many ISA members taking advantage of the programs and offerings that come with activating a farmer membership.
Contact Katie James at kjames@iasoybeans.com. ISA is driven to deliver timely news and valuable programs to you. Don’t miss out — activate or validate your ISA membership today at iasoybeans. com/join.
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MAY 2020 IOWA CATTLEMAN MAGAZINE MARCH
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Since 1934, The Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman has been Iowa’s leading agriculture news source, and today it is the largest circulation ag newspaper in Iowa. While the Spokesman newspaper is available exclusively to Iowa Farm Bureau members, The Spokesman Speaks podcast is available publicly, reaching farmers on-the-go with stories that matter to them. You can find episodes of the podcast here or subscribe and listen in your favorite podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, TuneInRadio, or Radio. com. New episodes are released every other Monday.
MANAGING FARM STRESS IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19: 3-PART SERIES PLAY
JANUARY 2020 IOWA CORN ROOTS MAGAZINE IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
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Saint Paul, Minn. – On behalf of 6,500 dairy farm families across the Midwest, Midwest Dairy announced they will donate $500,000 to food banks in the Midwest to purchase dairy products for people who are in need. The contributions will be spread across the 10 states Midwest Dairy represents, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, to help meet the increased demand for dairy products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food banks across the region have been seeing unprecedented need in recent weeks, setting records of daily and weekly food distribution and showcasing the urgency of finding resourceful ways to provide more food to those experiencing food insecurity. With unemployment numbers still climbing and schools – where many children receive the majority of their daily meals – continuing to be closed, the demand is expected to continue growing. “Dairy farmers work tirelessly day in and day out to help feed the world, so this tremendous contribution puts our values in action to help our hungry neighbors,” said
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Allen Merrill, Midwest Dairy Corporate board chairman and a dairy farmer from Parker, South Dakota. “As a farmer and Midwest Dairy leader, I am proud of our work to make this donation possible to provide dairy products to people who otherwise may not have access to these nutrients during this challenging time.” Though dairy checkoff funds are not typically used to purchase dairy products, the USDA has approved a proposal at the request of Midwest Dairy to help meet this need and get dairy into the hands of people who are food insecure. Midwest Dairy is partnering with dairy processors to determine what products they have available and then will provide a list of interested processors to food banks that have both a need and the capacity to increase their dairy inventory and distribution. “During this extraordinarily challenging time, food banks throughout the Midwest, including the eight Feeding America food banks and their local networks of community agencies that serve Illinois, are working relentlessly to ensure that nobody in local communities goes hungry,” said Steve Ericson, executive director for
MIDWEST DAIRY DONATES $500,000 TO FOOD BANKS
CONTRIBUTIONS ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION’S 10-STATE REGION WILL HELP MEET THE DAIRY DEMAND FOOD BANKS + PANTRIES ARE FACING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
for Feeding Illinois. “The need for nutritious foods, such as dairy, is growing exponentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects. Thank you to Midwest Dairy and dairy farmers for leading this effort to access additional dairy products to help residents in need across our state and region. This donation will make an immediate impact.”
of the board of directors for dairy farmer-owned processing cooperative Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) of New Ulm, Minn., and a dairy farmer from Albany, Minn. “This effort helps ensure the milk dairy farmers work so hard to produce continues to move through the supply chain and into the hands of those who need it.”
This program also offers processors an opportunity to keep their supply chains active while navigating dairy demand shifts due to recent school, restaurant and other business closures. The following cooperatives and processors have been invited to participate in the program: Agropur, AMPI, Anderson Erickson Dairy, Bel Brands, Bongards, Cass Clay, Dairy Farmers of America, Dean Foods, First District Association, Hiland, KanPak, Kemps, Land O’Lakes, Midwest Dairymen, Plainview Milk Products/Hastings, Prairie Farms, Valley Queen and Wapsie Valley.
For more information, please visit www.midwestdairy. com.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity to partner with Midwest Dairy and interested regional food banks to bring dairy products to people in need throughout our communities,” said Steve Schlangen, chairman IOWA LIVESTOCK INSIDER SPRING 2020
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