July 2012 - Iowa Pork Producers Association

Ogden hog farmers celebrate new hog barnwith open houseEric and Emily Crosman filled theirnew hog-finishing barn in earlyJune, but it was with people, nothogs. Nearly 200 neighbors, friendsand farm leaders toured theirnew 2,400 head hog building nearOgden during an open house June5, just days before the first load ofpigs was scheduled to arrive.The event — sponsored by theCoalition to Support Iowa’sFarmers (CSIF), Cargill Pork,Quality Ag Inc., the Iowa PorkProducers Association, BooneCounty Pork Producers and CityState Bank, an office of AmesCommunity Bank — featureda short program, tour of thebuilding and a pork burger lunchto honor Boone County’s newestbusiness.“The turnout today is unbelievable,”said Eric, while speaking to thecrowd. “I appreciate everyone’ssupport and think it’s great thatyou are all here to see first-handwhat we are doing and how we areraising hogs today. Agriculturehas changed a lot in the 109 yearsthis farm has been in our familyand I’m sure itwill continueto change asour sons growup and workinto the familyoperation.”Before theCrosmans startedconstruction,they turned tothe coalitionfor advice inchoosing a goodlocation and aplan for talkingto their neighborsabout putting upthe barn on theircentury farm.“The coalitionwas very helpfuland was there forEmily and I fromstart to finish,”said Eric. “I can’t emphasize enoughhow important it is to talk to yourneighbors before you start to buildand address any concerns they mayhave. Emily and I want to be the bestEric and Emily Crosman and family.neighbors we can be because we plan tobe on this farm for a very long time.”“This hog building will have a $1.5million impact on Boone County inthe first year alone,” said BrianWaddingham, CSIF executivedirector. “This event helped localresidents understand the positiveimpacts of livestock farming in theircommunities. Although many peopledrive by hog barns, few have any ideawhat actually occurs in one. This openhouse gave people an opportunity tostep inside and feel how the air moveson a hot day and see how comfortablethe pigs really are.”JULY 201229