Iowa farmers interested in starting, expanding or diversifying a livestock operation can explore emerging production opportunities at the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) twenty-first annual Farming for the Future Conference. The event will be held Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
This year’s conference, “Emerging Opportunities in Livestock Production,” is designed for farmers who are considering getting into livestock, looking to expand or diversify an existing operation, or simply interested in learning what opportunities may be ahead for Iowa agriculture. Attendees will hear from industry experts about the Iowa agricultural economy and what it could mean for livestock farmers, opportunities in cattle, pork, turkey and shrimp production, and financing options available to help make livestock ventures possible. A panel discussion will connect the day’s topics and give farmers a closer look at what it takes to evaluate these opportunities.
This year’s conference, “Emerging Opportunities in Livestock Production,” is designed for farmers who are considering getting into livestock, looking to expand or diversify an existing operation, or simply interested in learning what opportunities may be ahead for Iowa agriculture. Attendees will hear from industry experts about the Iowa agricultural economy and what it could mean for livestock farmers, opportunities in cattle, pork, turkey and shrimp production, and financing options available to help make livestock ventures possible. A panel discussion will connect the day’s topics and give farmers a closer look at what it takes to evaluate these opportunities.
“Farmers are always looking for ways to build a stronger future—whether by adding a new enterprise, expanding an existing one or exploring an opportunity they haven’t considered,” said Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF. “This conference will connect farmers directly with industry experts who can help them understand emerging opportunities, ask practical questions and determine what could fit their operation.”
Christopher Pudenz, PhD, an economist with the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, will open the event with an Iowa agriculture economic outlook and discuss what current conditions could mean for the state’s livestock farmers in the coming year. Farmers will then hear from Chad Tentinger and Don Vaske of Ten Corp, Inc. and Legacy Beef Co-op about opportunities in the cattle industry; Brandon Achen, CEO of West Liberty Foods, about turkey production; Aaron Williams, a farmer and board member with the Niman Ranch Next Generation Foundation, about pork production; and Jackson Kimle of Midland Co. about shrimp production. Farm Credit Services of America will also outline financing options that could help farmers pursue these livestock ventures.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where livestock production may be headed, which opportunities warrant a closer look and whom they can contact as they consider next steps for their operations.
Registration, including a complimentary lunch, is free if completed by Nov 13. A $20.00 fee will be charged for registrations after Nov. 13. For more information about the conference and to register, visit http://www.supportfarmers.com/future or call 1-800-932-2436. Space is limited.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created 22 years ago by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Egg Council, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy.
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.
