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Register today for CSIF’s March 25 Farming Matters Forum Iowa crop and livestock farmers and those interested in the responsible and successful growth of the state’s livestock farms are encouraged to attend CSIF’s fourth annual Farming Matters Forum. The interactive “Farming Matters: An Iowa Crop and Livestock Forum” will provide farmers with exclusive insight on effectively managing rising energy and input prices, mitigating odor from livestock farms and enhancing relations between farmers and their neighbors. Other topics will include a timely review of livestock rules and regulations and tips for successfully starting a new livestock farm or growing an existing one. Livestock, feed, manure management and lending and financial experts will also be on hand throughout the day to visit with farmers and answer questions. Speakers will include Montana logger and ag advocate, Bruce Vincent, CSIF consultant and public relations expert, Carol Bodensteiner, Eldon McAfee of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, cattle expert Evan Vermeer and Dr. John Lawrence, director of Iowa State University’s Iowa Beef Center. Early-bird registration for “Farming Matters” is only $35 by March 14 and $50 after March 14. All early-bird registrants will receive a complimentary CSIF cap the day of the event. Timely registration is encouraged as space is limited. Farmers encouraged to be part of Feb. 28 livestock forum in Pella CSIF will participate in a forum discussion about livestock farming Thursday, Feb. 28 in Pella and area farmers are encouraged to be part of the dialogue. The public is invited to attend, listen to the dialogue, ask questions and offer constructive input on ways farmers, rural neighbors and communities can continue to grow and prosper in Iowa. Farmers are urged to make plans to attend this forum. Be prepared to share your personal story about your family, commitment to environmental stewardship, steps you’re taking to be good neighbors and the value of livestock farming to your communities and Iowa. The Vermeer Science Center is located on the corner of West 3rd and University in Pella. Parking can be accessed off West 3rd St. For more information, contact Putze at 1-800-932-2436. Farming is a blessing for Dallas County family 
***CSIF Farm Family Feature*** For Dallas Center farmers Tom and Judy Barrett, a successful farm includes a love of family, taking care of the livestock and land and helping others in need. It’s been their way of life for 40 years and why they were honored last week as February’s Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award recipients. The Barretts raise cattle and grow 1,300 acres of corn and soybeans. Their have three grown children – Cynthia, Christine and Chad – and nine grandchildren. And farming, just like family, is a blessing. “Farming is a privilege God has granted us,” said Judy while welcoming friends and neighbors to their home during the award ceremony. “It’s a tremendous responsibility to be caretakers of the land. Tom has always had such a passion for farming – it’s what he’s always wanted to do.” And while they excel at being good neighbors, the Barretts were humbled by the outpouring of support generated by the award recognition. “We were shocked when told about the award,” said Judy. “It’s a little overwhelming. There are so many good people in the area who are also our neighbors. We never felt like we were doing anything special. Taking care of each other and helping each other out is what neighbors do.” The Wergin Good Farm Neighor Award is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and the Iowa Ag Radio Network. CSIF is the exclusive presenting partner. (Pictured above, at right -- Tom and Judy Barrett and Karey Claghorn (center), Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture)
HSUS-led ban on gestation stalls fails in Nebraska The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) failed last week in a bid to end the use of gestations stalls by hog farmers in the Cornhusker State. Legislative Bill 1148, introduced by Nebraska Sen. DiAnna Schimek at the request of the HSUS was withdrawn five days after it was filed. “I had no idea that this was such a big issue nationally," Schimek told the World-Herald’s Bill Hord after the bill had died. Schimek, who said she was approached about introducing the bill less than an hour before the bill introduction deadline, said she dropped it to concentrate on other priorities after hearing from rural senators and farm organizations. "I'm not saying I agree or disagree," said Schimek. "I'm saying I didn't give it a thought, and that's a terrible way to introduce legislation in the first place."
Veterinarian shortage concerns U.S. lawmakers The president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) urged the Agriculture Department to implement a long-standing, but dormant, program that would help address a critical shortage in the number of U.S. veterinarians during an appearance on Capitol Hill earlier this month. Dr. Gregory S. Hammer testified before a subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee about the issue and pressed for implementation of the National Veterinary Medical Service Act, which was signed into law by President Bush in 2003. The law established a loan repayment program for veterinarians who agree to practice in under-served areas of vet medicine, including food supply, but the Agriculture Department says it lacks the ability to administer the loan repayment program.
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