July 2012 - Iowa Pork Producers Association

you’re a mechanic, other days you’re a market analyst,or teacher, or vet.”In addition to serving as president of the local FFAchapter, Peterson works on the family farm, helpingat the feedlot and with the corn, soybean and alfalfaoperations. Additionally, the young entrepreneurmanages a hog barn, works for other area farmers andis in the process of starting his own cow-calf herd.“We have all the resources here to raise livestock –we grow enough feed that we don’t have to importanything,” the Hartley native said. “Additionally,agriculture provides so many jobs for people in ourcommunity.”In fact, the growth of animal agriculture in Iowaby families like the Petersons has led to an increaseof $3.6 billion in economic output, $601 million inhousehold wages, 19,200 jobs and $176 million inadditional tax revenue in the last decade (“AnimalAgriculture Economic Analysis Report,” UnitedSoybean Board).Other findings from the survey of FFA membersinclude:• Of those wanting to farm, 49 percent say they wouldgrow crops and raise livestock, 23 percent raiselivestock and work part-time off the farm, 17 percentraise livestock only, 7 percent raise crops and workpart-time off the farm and 3 percent grow crops only.• Seventy-six percent of the respondents live andwork on a farm, and 24 percent do not. Ofthose that live on a farm, 68 percent have cropsand livestock, 23 percent livestock only and 9percent crops only.• Although only 76 percent of survey respondentslive and work on a farm, 94 percent want topursue an ag-related career.Last year, the coalition assisted 289 families ingrowing their livestock farms. The organizationhas now helped nearly 1,900 families who raiselivestock since its launch in 2004. CSIF is a nonprofitorganization that assists livestock farmerswho want help interpreting rules and regulations,guidance on good site locations for barns, counselon enhancing neighbor relations and tips on howto protect the environment at no cost.This positive, solutions-based approach to helpinglivestock farmers grow is a collaborative effortinvolving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, IowaCorn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau,Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa SoybeanAssociation, Iowa Turkey Federation and theMidwest Dairy Association.The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers doesnot develop policy, lobby or charge for theirservices. Families wanting confidential assistancein growing their livestock farms responsibly andsuccessfully are encouraged to contact CSIF at(800) 932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.JULY 201239