“There’s a lot of support for young farmers, especially in Boone County. But there are still a lot of hurdles. You can’t just graduate from high school, jump right into farming and think you’re going to be successful. You have to be educated, efficient and consumer focused. “It also helps to have the support of your family and the chance to work with them and benefit from their knowledge and experience.”

Ben Hollingshead, 22, of Ogden who farms with his parents and brothers Chet and Alex. The brothers recently constructed a new hog barn in Boone County to help them fulfill their dream of becoming full-time farmers. Ben will graduate in December from South Dakota State University (SDSU) with degrees in animal science and agronomy.

“Some (Environmental Protection Committee) commissioners and other people wrongly thought DNR was too lax in issuing building permits and that’s why more permits were being issued. What’s happening is that hog prices have been good the past two years and the outlook for 2006 is good, too. More producers want to expand their hog numbers. Some farmers are even getting back into the business. The increase in farmers wanting to build hog buildings is also being driven by skyrocketing energy costs that have sent commercial fertilizer prices record high, making hog manure more valuable as a crop fertilizer.”

Rod Swoboda, editor, Wallaces Farmer, December 2005. Swoboda said the EPC must protect the environment, but it also needs to be fair, adding that the citizen advisory panel that oversees state environmental regulations shouldn’t be “trapping farmers on confusion in the rules.”

“Right now, I have two students who want to go home and raise swine with the family. I took three other students to an open house much like this and they all want to do the same. There is a growing demand for young people to enter the ag field and I'm seeing more and more students who aren't farm-raised wanting to this.”

Arlin Karsten, professor at Kirkwood Community College, while attending an open house celebrating the construction of a new 2,400-head hog barn by Dale and Colleen Vincent. The Vincent’s son, Jason, recently graduated from Kirkwood and will manage the new enterprise. Karsten, who served as Jason’s professor in the school’s swine management program, said Jason wasn’t excited about college but wanted to be home farming. “However, he went to class and came home to put it all to work.”

“When things are being done correctly, putting hogs in confinement probably is actually improving water quality as opposed to the open, outside lots that we had in the past that were exposed to rainfall and runoff. All the manure is contained. All the manure has to be land-applied. Essentially, it’s a nutrient source.”

Greg Brenneman, agricultural engineer, Iowa State University Extension (Johnson County Bureau); May 15, 2005 Cedar Rapids Gazette. Brenneman’s comments were in response to an Iowa Policy Project report asserting modern livestock farms are threatening groundwater quality.

“When I was in college, I got good grades and I had people ask me why I was pursuing agriculture. Some of them told me I was throwing my education away. I don't feel that way at all. You have to be smart to be a successful farmer.”

Francine Ide, May 25 Creston News Advertiser. Ide, 22, farms with her husband Chad near Creston (the couple married May 28). Both were former award-winning members of the Creston FFA chapter, are recent college graduates and are optimistic about their futures in agriculture. They, in partnership with Chad's family, have a diversified crop and livestock farm, including an Angus-cross cow/calf herd. Francine also works for Farmers Coop of Afton and Mount Ayr.

"I enjoyed the whole experience. Everything we did during the weekend, one way or another, added new insights on my perspective and understanding of how life works on a farm."

Susan Silveira, ISU College of Agriculture student. Silveira, a graduate student in natural resource ecology and management from Brazil, was one of eight students that participated in Agriculture Weekend Experience, a pilot program conducted in April by the College to help students with minimal prior farm experience learn more about Iowa agriculture by staying the weekend with Iowa farm families. Silveira stayed with Euinice McCallaugh and Doug and Judy Gronau near Denison. The Gronau family grows corn and soybeans.

‘‘The fact that he's been a fugitive for seven years, I think the chances are pretty slim they're going to let him go on bond.''

FBI Supervisory Special Agent Mike Johnson reacting to the recent arrest of Peter Daniel Young. Young, an animal rights activist, was taken into custody after attempting to steal music CDs at a San Jose, CA Starbucks Coffee shop. He was wanted for seven years to stand trial in connection with destruction of mink-farm property in several states, including Iowa. Since Young has several prior convictions for animal rights protest activities, conviction on the seven-year-old charges of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce and animal enterprise terrorism could result in a maximum sentence of life in prison.

“So, I did the next-best thing. At lunch that noon, I ordered a hamburger.”

Dubuque Telegraph Herald Executive Editor Brian Cooper after deciding not to print a fictitious letter writer’s phone number. The TH, along with more than 80 other newspapers nationwide, we’re duped into publishing a letter to the editor by a livestock activist.

“I absolutely love what I do. It's like Christmas every morning to get up and do what I do. It's not a job. It's a way of life, so we do what we have to do.”

Hog farmer Sean Dolan
Troy Mills (Buchanan County)
June 27 Sunday Des Moines Register

"The (corporate livstock producers) cannot produce a pork chop cheaper than a family farmer unless they break the law."

Self-proclaimed livestock expert and Waterkeeper Alliance President Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in comments Dec. 8, 2001 to the West Central Tribune of Willmar, Minn. Kennedy has threatened to "put an end" to the hog industry adding that "We're starting with hogs. After we get done with the hogs, then we're gonna' go after the other ones." Kennedy once headlined a "Hog Summit" in Clear Lake, Iowa but has made rare appearances in the Hawkeye State after farmers successfully challenged his misleading and misguided statements against animal agriculture.

“After all, that's our goal, to feed the world. That's what farmers do, so this project doesn't ask people to do anything they wouldn't already be doing.”

Alryn Schipper, Grundy County farmer
Des Moines Register Oct. 17, 2004
When asked why more than 35 farmers and volunteers from nine central Iowa churches gathered on a cold, Saturday afternoon to harvest 154 acres of corn for donation through the Foods Resource Bank to assist people on the African island of Madagascar.

“…Research reveals a 91 percent correlation statewide between the loss of livestock and an impact on school enrollment (in Iowa). Where livestock have declined, so goes enrollment. If that doesn't convince you, just drive through the many small towns. Something's keeping them alive and it's not government legislation.”

Krystil Smit, Editor
Tri-State Neighbor (Sioux Falls, SD)
July 9, 2004

“Brian Buhr, a University of Minnesota Agriculture Economist, said the number of farms is always on the decline, but today they're not being replaced because of environmental restrictions. Tighter environmental regulations have played a part in reducing the number of hogs in Illinois from 10.1 million to 7.4 million in the past decade while cattle numbers fell from 2.3 million to 1.4 million head in the last 20 years.”

Mike McGinnis, DTN News

“Maybe the biggest reason U.S. hog producers ‘refuse’ to expand is because of the ‘grief’ they take when a new hog building goes up! …Many hog producers say expenses to meet regulations and ‘fights’ with neighbors have eaten up profits from the market. So, instead of expanding to ‘take advantage’ of improved profit margins, growers are simply maintaining profit levels… or leaving the business. In fact… some view current strong prices as an opportunity to exit the business ‘at the top.”

Pro Farmer, July 31, 2004

“PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has made a fortune pedaling fear and falsehoods with complete disregard to reality. This latest ad is just one of many examples. We applaud KGAN-TV (Cedar Rapids) for canceling the ad and for all those that rejected it outright. It was the right thing to do.”

Tim Niess, CSIF Executive Director, in response to a PETA ad that aired on the eastern Iowa CBS affiliate Aug. 9. The ad, originally scheduled to run for one week, was pulled less than one day after it started airing. Concerned farmers and farm organizations, including the CSIF, were responsible for the station's quick action. One of the CSIF's purposes is to correct and challenge misinformation about animal agriculture and the farmers involved in the important occupation.

“Agriculture is one of our wisest pursuits because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.”

Thomas Jefferson, 1787

“If we really believe that animals have the same right to be free from pain and suffering at our hands, then, of course we're going to be, as a movement, blowing things up and smashing windows … I think it's a great way to bring about animal liberation … I think it would be great if all of the fast-food outlets, slaughterhouses, these laboratories, and the banks that fund them exploded tomorrow. I think it's perfectly appropriate for people to take bricks and toss them through the windows ... Hallelujah to the people who are willing to do it. ”=

Bruce Friedrich, Vegan Campaign Coordinator
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
"Animal Rights 2001" conference

“We’re the good guys in this fight. And give us time. This is just a minor setback. We will be successful.”

Chris Petersen, President
Iowa Farmers Union
WHO Radio Oct. 6
Comments referring to the Iowa Supreme Court's ruling Oct. 6 striking down the Worth County livestock ordinance. The ordinance sought to add an additional layer of regulation on farm families that want to raise livestock in Worth County, an effort favored by livestock activists and those opposed to modern livestock farming. One family farmer from Worth County would no doubt take exception to Petersen's remarks. The farmer from Manly delayed construction of a new livestock barn for nearly two years as a result of the illegal moratorium. During that time, the average cost per pig space for a new livestock barn increased by a staggering $50.

“Do you understand how serious this is? This is the animal rights version of the HAMAS. This is the animal liberation version of the Taliban. They are just as wicked, just as evil, just as demented as Islamist fascists are. And they are well funded, well organized and they are coming after your kids.”

Jan Mickelson, WHO Radio Talk Show host, Oct. 5, 2004 In response to comments by an animal rights activists condoning the taking of human life to protect the “rights” of non-human lives. Mickelson also referenced a Center for Consumer Freedom report titled "Your Kids, PETA's Pwans -- how the animal rights movement targets children." It can be accessed at www.centerforconsumerfreedom.com.

“Since 1996, nitrate levels have dropped by 87 percent. Better livestock facilities and modern farm management practices are making the difference.”

Randy Pleima
General Manager
Mahaska Rural Water Systems Inc.

“Here’s how you (in agriculture) are getting rolled. You don’t talk as well as they (activists) do. You’re busy running your business or farms and you’ve got these environmental activist groups dominated by lawyers and they just talk for a living all day... “And until you get up and start saying loudly, ‘Reporter, you got that all wrong! You’re listening to liars who have another interest! Here’s the truth!’ Until you start speaking up, defending what you believe, you’ll keep getting rolled in the debate.”

John Stossel
ABC’s “20/20” news magazine correspondent
Speaking to 400 farmers and business leaders
Arkansas State University
Feb. 21, 2001

"The ICCI, Land Stewardship Project and Campaign for Family Farms oppose all mandatory checkoffs. Now, if I can just get them interested in eliminating the mandatory Social Security Check-off. Talk about true rip-offs!"

Palmer Holden
4393 Purvis Lane, Ames
In a May Ames Tribune letter to the editor

“I think it is (terrorism), because, you know, if you’re a victim of a terrorist act, you have no recourse. I mean, you can’t, you can’t go back to the terrorist and say, you know, I’m going to take you to court, I’m going to sue you and I’m going to get some money back for what you put me through.” (references to Timothy McVeigh and Osama bin Laden also made in the report).

Barbara Kalbach, ICCI member
As quoted on KCCI-TV, Feb. 16, 2002

"The livestock industry gets so much bad publicity, you could get the impression it’s not good for the state. That would be wrong. Visit Sioux County, which raises more cattle and hogs than any other county in Iowa, to see how livestock, done the right way, can make a place prosperous.”

The Register's Editorial
July 11, 2004
Des Moines Register

“Barb Kalbach of the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement readily admitted that she was unable to compete in livestock production, yet there are many of us who can. She gives this as a reason for ICCI to fight to stop modern livestock production. This is the equivalent of telling elementary TAG students that the only reading class offered is remedial reading…What logic is this? H.S. (hog manure)! That’s what it is.”

Gary Boswell, Corning
Letter to the editor
July 18 Des Moines Register

"We're just not like that, I guess. My dad is a guy, he likes to be honest, and he never does anything like that. We're just farmers out here, and we've got most everything we need. It's just not our thought to keep it."

Dylan Titterington commenting on why he and his dad Tim never entertained the thought of keeping more than $20,000 in cashier's checks, cash and coins that they found inside a lost billfold. They noticed the money while mowing Conservation Reserve Program land near West Okoboji during the Fourth of July weekend. After returning it to the rightful owner, the Titteringtons even declined to accept a $100 reward. Courtesy of the July 25 Sunday Des Moines Register.

“Do you understand how serious this is? This is the animal rights version of the HAMAS. This is the animal liberation version of the Taliban. They are just as wicked, just as evil, just as demented as Islamist fascists are. And they are well funded, well organized and they are coming after your kids."

Jan Mickelson, WHO Radio Talk Show host, Oct. 5, 2004
In response to comments by an animal rights activists condoning the taking of human life to protect the “rights” of non-human lives. Mickelson also referenced a Center for Consumer Freedom report titled "Your Kids, PETA's Pwans -- how the animal rights movement targets children." It can be accessed at www.centerforconsumerfreedom.com.

“After all, that’s our goal, to feed the world. That’s what farmers do, so this project doesn’t ask people to do anything they wouldn’t already be doing.”

Alryn Schipper, Grundy County farmer
Des Moines Register Oct. 17, 2004
When asked why more than 35 farmers and volunteers from nine central Iowa churches gathered on a cold, Saturday afternoon to harvest 154 acres of corn for donation through the Foods Resource Bank to assist people on the African island of Madagascar.

"I'm not saying we can produce record yields every year. But we can still produce plenty of grain. The world needs us to keep growing corn and soybeans to keep up with the increasing demand."

Julius Schaaf, Randolph, Iowa corn farmer and member of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, in conversations this past fall with visitors from Taiwan and several other nations (Wallaces Farmer, January 2005) 

“Eating a hamburger a day can increase your risk of colon cancer, according to a new study. Is it time to switch to chicken, fish or tofu ? Or is time to ask your congressman to check into whether the National Cancer Institute is spending its budget wisely?”

Steven Milloy, author of JunkScience.com and adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, criticizing researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society on a recent study attempting to link prolonged high consumption of red and processed meat with an increased cancer risk. Milloy said that aside from the usual hijinks of researchers looking for media attention and their next grant, he noticed that one of this study's authors – Rashmi Sinha – has a long history of trying to use weak statistics to convict meat of causing cancer and appears bent on using her position to scare consumers away from eating meat. According to Milloy, Sinha has been at it since at least 1994, but with little to show except a stack of scary, but unsupported headlines — which in itself is somewhat revealing.

“We have found that, in many respects, farmers and their families are healthier than other people in Iowa and North Carolina. For instance farmers and their spouses in these two states live longer than others living there.”

A letter from the University of Iowa's Agriculture Health Study executive committee and area directors to study participants dated January 2005.

“It is impossible to live without causing some harm. We’ve all accidentally stepped on ants or breathed in gnats, but that doesn’t mean that we should intentionally cause unnecessary harm. You might accidentally hit someone with your car, but that is no reason to run someone over on purpose.”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (web site), when asked what’s the point to advocating animal rights when it’s almost impossible to avoid causing animal suffering.

“Statehouse security asked organizers to keep the noise level down at least once and finally told ICCI to pull the plug.”

WHO Radio News (Feb. 7) in the aftermath of the Des Moines-based activist group’s annual lobby and rally demonstration at the State Capitol.

“While Al pursues the rubber-chicken circuit politically and the baked, smothered and fried-chicken circuit otherwise, let’s look at the real question: Reverend, is this merely another clever shakedown of the corporate America that keeps you fine, fit and fiddling while Rome burns?”

E.R. Shipp, Writer, New York Daily News criticizing Rev. Al Sharpton’s for joining with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals in calling for a boycott of Kentucky Fried Chicken because of alleged inhumane treatment of poultry.

"We thought we'd come out here and make a stand."

Luke Davis, 19, during a counter-rally at a PETA demonstration held Feb. 23 at Roosevelt Middle School in Mason City. Davis took to the streets waving “Down with PETA signs after his sister came home from school with a note alerting parents that the Virginia-based animal activist organization planned to protest against chicken nuggets. PETA activists also made stops at a Waterloo before returning to Virginia.

“As a pork producer, I’m getting tired of picking up magazines, hearing on the radio or seeing on the Internet that I don’t raise my pigs humanely. I have heard that I keep my pigs in cages, dump my manure in the water supply and drug my pigs for no reason. Folks, there’s not a cage on my farm. In fact, we had a rule when I was growing up. The chores were done and the animals were cared for before we did anything else, including enjoying our own breakfast or supper.”

Nebraska grain and livestock farmer Joy Phillippi, to attendees of the 2005 National Pork Forum held March 3-5 in Orlando, Fla.

"Tim Schmitt did a great job of calling out Vittetoe for who she is. You can e-mail Tim directly and tell him he did a great job of telling the real story and giving her the 'Jackass' title this week. Thanks."

A Dec. 16, 2003 e-mail from Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement to its leadership in response to a raunchy Des Moines tabloid bestowing its “Jackass of the Week” designation on Washington, Iowa hog farmer Heidi Vittetoe. Last month, ICCI renewed its attack against Vittetoe, urging Gov. Vilsack not to reappoint her to the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission. By law, at least three farmers must serve on the commission.

"Livestock is a part of rural development. Everyone is in it together. The city and the county have to find a way to add value to agriculture and livestock is a very important part of that."

Jim Erb, Charles City Mayor, after signing a proclamation declaring March 13-19 as Animal Agriculture Week in his community. Erb has served as mayor of the town of 7,800 for nearly nine years and values the role of livestock farming in sustaining Iowa’s rural communities. Dozens of counties across Iowa participated in the unique, week-long event -- signing proclamations, sponsoring advertising, submitting news releases and distributing "Livestock Works!" window clings to area businesses. The activity was sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers.

“Activists know that effective communication is a weak point throughout animal agriculture and exploit it. In the end, it all boils down to Sergio Zyman’s (Coca-Cola branding legend) admonition: Will you define your product’s position, or will you let someone else do it?”

Philip Lobo
Communications Director, Animal Agriculture Alliance

“On your farms you are close to God’s nature; In your work on the land you follow the rhythms of the season.”

Pope John Paul II, Oct. 4, 1979 at St. Patrick’s Church, Irish Settlement, Iowa. The visit included a mass held later that day at Living History Farms, attended by nearly 340,000 people. John Paul died April 2 in Vatican City after serving 26 years as Pope.

“We have members that are not farmers and that’s a good thing.”

Garry Klicker, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, while emceeing the organization’s 10th annual Rally and Lobby Day Feb. 7 at the Statehouse in Des Moines. Ironically, this is the same activist group that has long criticized Iowa’s farm and commodity organizations for their large and energetic group of farm supporting members.

“You wouldn't move to New York or Los Angeles if you weren't willing to put up with heavy traffic and smog. So why would anyone move to the country if they couldn't deal with the occasional headaches of living in an agricultural area?”

Erik Gable, The Fairfield Daily Ledger Inc., on the implications of allowing “the tyranny of the majority” to run roughshod over the rights of the individual.

"I enjoyed the whole experience. Everything we did during the weekend, one way or another, added new insights on my perspective and understanding of how life works on a farm."

Susan Silveira, ISU College of Agriculture student. Silveira, a graduate student in natural resource ecology and management from Brazil, was one of eight students that participated in Agriculture Weekend Experience, a pilot program conducted in April by the College to help students with minimal prior farm experience learn more about Iowa agriculture by staying the weekend with Iowa farm families. Silveira stayed with Euinice McCallaugh and Doug and Judy Gronau near Denison. The Gronau family grows corn and soybeans.

“Sunday afternoon we boarded 11 school buses and went to the Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s house and knocked on is door. Can you imagine 600 people with signs of dislike, standing out in your front yard, yelling at you. Well, of course he called the cops, they always do. Then we yell at the cops need a raise. Usually the cops just come and watch to make sure we don’t get destructive. But this time they sent us away.”

Viola Faust, May 4, 2005 Winterset Madisonian. Faust, a member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, wrote a lengthy letter to the editor describing activities (like the one above) that the activists took part in during their recent trip to Washington, D.C. as part of National Peoples Action. She said her “most interesting stop” was a visit they made to the Business Round Table Building in which the group confounded security by jamming the building’s entry, distracted employees and used a loud speaker to chant, sing and yell.

"I am concerned that overregulating is pushing family farmers out and letting big corporations in."

Douglas Caffrey, Thornton grain and livestock farmer, May 18 Mason City Globe Gazette. Caffrey's comments were made after the Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors approved a variance request by a local farm family to construct a new hog building in the north central Iowa county. The county currently has in place a moratorium on new livestock farms. However, an assistant county attorney told the Globe Gazette that, in his opinion, the "moratorium is void and unenforceable."

"I think that, as life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of his time at peril of being judged not to have lived."

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841-1935) Memorial Day Address, 1884

“When things are being done correctly, putting hogs in confinement probably is actually improving water quality as opposed to the open, outside lots that we had in the past that were exposed to rainfall and runoff. All the manure is contained. All the manure has to be land-applied. Essentially, it’s a nutrient source.”

Greg Brenneman, agricultural engineer, Iowa State University Extension (Johnson County Bureau); May 15, 2005 Cedar Rapids Gazette. Brenneman’s comments were in response to an Iowa Policy Project report asserting modern livestock farms are threatening groundwater quality.

“When you care about the land, water and livestock, you prove by your actions that you’re a good neighbor. Farm families that raise livestock have deep roots in their communities and plan to be around for a long time. When you go to work in the same place every day, you care about others. Maybe that’s why livestock farmers make some of the best neighbors.”

Mark Jackson, a soybean farmer from Rose Hill and a member of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers advisory committee, commenting on the organization’s sponsorship of the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. The CSIF’s sponsorship will begin in June and run for one year. More than 20 farm families that raise livestock have been honored with the award since it was established in 2003. The award is presented in partnership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Iowa Ag Radio Network.

“The Coalition (CSIF) article stated that 70 percent of the FFA students surveyed at the convention said they want to live and work in Iowa. While some said they would leave for a time and then return, only 13 percent said they wanted to move elsewhere and not return. Hopefully, these young people get their wish – to remain in Iowa, but especially those who want to pursue livestock farming as a career.”

New Hampton Tribune columnist Elaine Denner, commenting May 31 on a CSIF survey of 125 FFA students that found most want to farm, raise livestock and remain in Iowa upon completion of their education. The survey was conducted in April during the 2005 state FFA convention in Ames.

“I did say, and I do believe, that anyone who holds their animals in such tight, total confinement, that they must have daily doses of antibiotics to keep them alive, for their entire lives, should have a visit from the Department of Human Services, because they might have children confined in a closet. Such people obviously have no feeling or respect for animals, their neighbors who are harmed by their activities, the world around them which they pollute indiscriminately, or the local economy, which they destroy. How could we trust them to raise children?”

ICCI member Garry Klicker, Bloomfield Van Buren County Register, July 25, 2002

"Livestock confinement facilities benefit Iowans as a whole by increasing the property-tax base, adding value to Iowa corn and soybeans (consumed by livestock) and creating jobs and income through the entire process... If you value an abundant, safe and economical food supply, don't be quite so quick to condemn the confinement production system until you understand it."

Keith Freie of Latimer in a July 10, 2005 Des Moines Register letter to the editor. Freie expressed frustration with the black eye hog farmers receive, adding that no production system is perfect. However, state-of-the-art buildings currently used by many family farmers across Iowa provide many benefits, enhancing environmental quality and animal welfare.

“Our nonviolent tactics are not as effective. We ask nicely for years and get nothing. Someone makes a threat and it works.”

Ingrid Newkirk, President, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, April 8, 2002 U.S. News & World Report. According to recent news reports, PETA hasn't been so nice and is now in big trouble after two North Carolina PETA employees were charged in June with 31 counts of animal cruelty.

“The meat industry has already thumbed its nose at the environment. The only solution is to levy a tax on their product that encourages less consumption and help makes up for the damage done.”

Iowa State Daily online columnist Jeremy Oehlert (July 12, 2005) in a commentary titled “It’s time to tax meat.” The Osceola native said that meat consumption harms society, similar to smoking and drinking; therefore, the “meat industry should pay their fair share when it comes to health and environmental consequences of the consumption of their product.” Many readers weren’t impressed with Oehlert’s critical thinking skills, many of which were skewed by www.taxmeat.com, a PETA-sponsored web site. Wrote Jeremy, a purchasing major from Ohio, “Maybe you (Oehlert) should start saving up in case they begin taxing stupidity.”

“It’s awesome. I’m really impressed by the size and the efficiency.”

Howard Pohlman, one of nearly 200 people that attended an open house and ribbon cutting at the site of Wayne and Harold Ritscher family’s new 2,400-head hog finishing barn. Pohlman, a corn and soybean farmer from Keystone, said it was the first time he had stepped into a modern livestock building. Many others joined Pohlman July 25 near Keystone for a tour of the building, a short ribbon cutting ceremony and a pork loin dinner. The event was sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Dinner was provided by Farm Credit Services of America.

“If I have a question, I don’t hesitate to give him a buzz. If he doesn’t know the answer, he can find it. When I’ve gotten discouraged and things look bleak, he’s been there, too.”

Troy Wheeler, a livestock farmer from Lorimor, referring to the skills and expertise of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers Organization Director Rex Hoppes. Wheeler, who is returning to livestock farming after an 11-year hiatus, praised the CSIF for its service in an article titled “Neighborly approach frames hog start-ups authored by Jerry Perkins appearing in the July 31 Sunday Des Moines Register. Wheeler added that Rex “has been a godsend,” helping steer the farmer in the right direction. Since its launch in May 2004, the CSIF has provided a helping hand to more than 270 farm families.

“To me, large scale agriculture is not a big environmental threat, because the bigger it is, the easier it is for me to find out who caused the problem and go out and get them to clean it up. I have a lot more problems with the guy that has 200 pigs in an outdoor shed and just waits for the rain to clean it off. There are lots of small cattle lots in the state that do the same thing. Their response is: ‘that’s just brown water.’”

Wayne Gieselman, environmental services administrator, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, in an interview appearing in the Aug. 17 TheWestern Producer, (Winnipeg Bureau). Gieselman told Canada’s largest ag publication that pig barns in Iowa are easier to regulate and that their owners and managers must follow regulations, “unlike smaller farmers.”

“Yes, there are farmers out here in our state trying to make a living, raising families and paying taxes. We love what we do and try our best to make our animals comfortable. We build nicer homes for our pigs than us.”

Sharon Hahn, Keota, writing in the Aug. 7 Sunday Des Moines Register. Hahn’s letter was in response to articles detailing how the realities of modern farming have changed over the years. This includes the state-of-the-art facilities that farmers now use to raise livestock.

"Barge traffic on the river is pretty much at a standstill. Nobody has a handle on how long the Gulf is going to be down. The biggest thing now is there are 200 to 700 barges that have just disappeared. Some of them are sunk in the river. Some are probably a mile up the river. Who knows?"

Ray Jenkins, Cargill grain merchandiser in Eddyville, Iowa, in an interview with Jeff Caldwell of Midwest Ag Journal.

“I’ve always wanted to farm since I was a little kid.”

Cody Weaver, 24, of Rockwell, who helps manage a diversified crop and livestock farm in partnership with his parents Tom and Deb and siblings Stacy, Cory and Clay. Cody says the ability to grow the family farm provided him the opportunity to become involved in his chosen occupation. The family, which used to raise hogs in open lots, now cares for 1,600 sows and market approximately 30,000 hogs annually. Each year, the family feeds nearly 300,000 bushels of corn to their hogs and pays more than $20,000 in property taxes on their hog buildings.

“I would like to start by saying thank you to (Grundy County Supervisors) Mr. Bakker, Mr. Ross and Mr Schildroth for voting no on a request to rezone land south of Dike from agricultural to residential. It is refreshing to know there are individuals serving in leadership roles in our county who still respect the importance of agriculture in our county, and to a larger extent, our state.”

William Jones, Dike, in a Sept. 8 letter to the editor appearing in The Grundy Register. Jones was responding to a letter published one week earlier in which Harris Jorgensen criticized three members of the county board of supervisors for denying his permit for a 13-house development in rural Grundy County. The proposed housing development would have been located three miles south of Dike and less than one-half mile from two hog barns managed by Larry and Jolene Depping. The Deppings have worked hard to enhance awareness and understanding in the community about the value of crop and livestock farming.

“I couldn’t work at a job where you’re stuck behind a desk working 9 to 5. I’d rather be out combining corn or chopping silage and helping out on the farm.”

Rachel Meier of Thornton, who manages a diversified crop and wean-to-finish hog farm with her husband Brad. Rachel cares for about 10,000 hogs, walking pens and monitoring animal care. The livestock enterprise was chosen over taking a job in town and helped the couple earn some extra money to pay for five upcoming weddings (their son and four daughters were all married within a five-year time span).

“I hadn’t built a new hog barn since 1997 and a lot of the rules and regulations have become more stringent since then. I wanted to make sure I did the right thing so I contacted the CSIF for help. I highly recommend them.”

Wade Finch of Britt who, with son Dan, constructed a new 2,400-head finishing barn in Hancock County.

"The inflation-adjusted cost of a Thanksgiving dinner has hovered within a few cents of $20 for the past 15 years. This is indicative of the continued ability of American farmers to provide safe and wholesome food products in a very efficient and cost-effective manner."

Terry Francl, American Farm Bureau Senior Economist, commenting on the value of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner. AFBF's 20th annual informal survey of the price of basic items found that the average cost of this year's Thanksgiving feast for 10 is $36.78, a $1.10 price increase from last year's survey average of $35.68. The survey was first conducted in 1986 when the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal for a family of 10 was $28.74. This year’s actual cost is $19.04 in 1986 inflation-adjusted dollars.

“On the first day of preschool he cried. He’d seen his dad applying anhydrous and that’s where he wanted to be – with his dad. We’ve always known that the boy was born to farm.”

Colleen Vincent commenting on son Jason’s love of farming. Colleen, husband Dale and Jason of West Branch hosted more than 50 people at an open house Nov. 19 celebrating the construction of the family’s new 2,400-head hog barn. Jason, who recently graduated from Kirkwood College’s swine management program, will oversee the new enterprise. Thanks to livestock farming, Jason will have an opportunity to work side-by-side with his parents “I really look up to my dad and I know he was the same way about his dad,” says Jason. “I’ve always wanted to farm with him.”

“Activist groups like Mr. Kelsey’s intentionally mislead the public about CSIF because the Coalition threatens their existence – an existence that depends on conflict to generate publicity, membership and money. That’s not a constructive pursuit and is of little value to Iowa and Iowa’s current and future farmers. CSIF is an organization created to support Iowa’s farm families for the benefit of this great state. The Iowa Soybean Association, as a founding partner of the Coalition, takes tremendous pride in CSIF’s mission and we remain committed to growing Iowa one farmer – and one neighbor – at a time.”

Kirk Leeds, Iowa Soybean Association CEO and CSIF board president, responding to misleading statements made by Kurt Kelsey, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement President. ICCI has chosen to attack the Coalition’s efforts to help livestock farmers grow successfully and responsibly.

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves."

Bill Vaughan

“Land is tightly held in the area around the (Dale and Colleen) Vincent farm (near West Branch) and the Vincents would not be able to buy land to bring (son) Jason home strictly as a grain farmer. They would need to expand their 450 acres to about 1,800 acres to make a living without livestock, Dale says. If they were able buy 1,350 acres to total 1,800 acres, they would spend almost $5 million, based on the average farmland values in Cedar County of $3,667 per acre, according to Iowa State University.”

Article appearing in the Dec. 20, 2005 Cedar Rapids Gazette highlighting the challenges young people face when wanting to get involved in farming. The Vincents instead invested $500,000 in a new 2,400-head wean-to-finish hog building, offering Jason and opportunity to return to the farm following graduation from Kirkwood Community College’s swine management program.

“All Iowans should have the opportunity to spend a little time on a farm that specializes in livestock. They’d learn that being a livestock farmer doesn’t equate with hayseed. Livestock farming today is a mixture of brawn and brains that includes sophisticated equipment, high-tech buildings and lots of economic savvy. As the state legislature and business leaders continue to focus on the biosciences as a central component of the plan to strengthen Iowa’s economy and carve a niche of expertise for Iowa in the national and global economic network, they must include livestock farmers in the effort.”

A Cedar Rapids Gazette editorial, Dec. 10, 2005. The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers along with Mark Imerman of Iowa State University’s Department of Economics conducted an editorial board visit with the newspaper’s leadership Dec. 6 to highlight livestock farming’s importance to Iowa and CSIF’s efforts to help farmers grow their enterprises successfully and responsibly.

"I'm dumbfounded to think that they would just like to chase more good, honest, taxpaying citizens out of the state."

Rep. Sandy Greiner, R-Keota, chair of the House Environmental Protection Committee, on calls by Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement for more oppressive restrictions on livestock farmers. Rep. Greiner’s comments were made after ICCI members rallied at the Statehouse Jan. 10 for a moratorium on new livestock farms and county control of where and how livestock can be raised in Iowa. Greiner added that if farmers leave Iowa, production will likely go to nations where production is much less expensive, such as Mexico or Brazil, where regulation of feed and medication is not as strict.

“This should be decided by the elected members of the Iowa Legislature. It should not be a policy set by political appointees. This rule presents no ascertainable standard. It is unintelligible.”

Michael Blaser (Des Moines Register Jan. 18) reacting to the Iowa Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to approve new rules dictating where and how livestock can be raised in Iowa. One rule would give the Iowa Department of Natural Resources the power to deny a new livestock farm even if the enterprise and farmer meet and exceed all state rules and regulations established by the Iowa Legislature. Blaser is a lawyer who represents farmers and livestock interests.

“I grew up in a little place in Minnesota and businesses left when livestock died out. That part of the world did not keep up. Livestock is one of the best things that can happen to a community.”

Garret Englin, feedlot manager for Farmer Cooperative Society, Sioux Center (Cedar Rapids Gazette, January 15), speaking about the importance of a strong and robust livestock sector. Sioux County is Iowa’s leader in agricultural sales and livestock production. Hogs generate nearly $11 million in personal income while cattle sales generate $8.7 million.

“(John) Hansen said a viable Nebraska Environmental Action Coalition (NEAC) would counter A-FAN -- Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska -- the recent coalition of traditional farm groups. He facetiously referred to A-FAN's member groups -- including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, Pork Producers, Cattlemen and Corn Growers -- as the ‘Axis of Evil.’”

The Independent (Grand Isle, Nebraska), Jan. 30, 2006, regarding the launch of NEAC, a new organization opposing the responsible and successful growth of livestock farming in Nebraska. Hansen serves as president of the Nebraska Farmers Union.

“A thistle to the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee for passing a bill that would punish people who complain too often about animal-feeding operations. The bill would designate as a ‘chronic complainant’ any person who files three subsequent – but ultimately unfounded – complaints with a county that a livestock operation is violating environmental protection laws. The penalty: paying the county’s cost of investigating the complaint and the livestock operation’s expense of defending itself. So, will the county likewise turn over fines collected in cases where chronic complainers are right? In any case, this is a bad precedent: If complaining becomes illegal, the Roses & Thistles staff will have to find a new line of work.”

Des Moines Register (Feb. 5, 2006) in its weekly “Roses & Thistles” editorial finding fault with a Chronic Complaint bill being discussed by legislators. Many in the farm community believe the bill provides a reasonable approach to limiting unfounded complaints against farm families. Some farmers say they have been harassed by chronic complainers who appear to only be interested in costing a farm family time and money. At the same time, unfounded complaints cost money and divert environmental officials away from more important work.

“Gant has not chosen to collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and the organization Waterkeeper Alliance because of their political views, nor is there a hidden political agenda in our campaign. We have chosen Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. because we think he is a charismatic, interesting and committed person who we share a history and a passion for water with.”

Louise de Verdier, GANT trademark manager, in a response to the Coalition’s concerns that the company was financially supporting the Kennedy, Jr.-led Waterkeeper Alliance with one of its spring clothing lines. Kennedy-Jr. has a history of expressing outrage against farmers involved in progressive livestock farming. The activist told members of the National Farmers Union and Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement gathered at a meeting in Clear Lake that pork farmers are “a greater threat than Al Qaeda or Osama bin Laden” (he received a standing ovation). Kennedy, Jr. has also boasted that “We have the attorneys now who have the money and they know what they’re doing. They are the best in the country and we are going to put an end to this industry.” And when they’re done with hogs, Kennedy Jr. has vowed, we’ll go after the other ones, too.

“Public relations is more important today for farmers because public perception is so important. This way, people get an opportunity to see the building, what we’re doing and the people behind it.”

Troy Wheeler, 36, of Lorimor when asked why his family hosted a ribbon cutting and open house celebrating the construction of a new 2,400-head hog barn in Madison County. More than 100 people attended the event, congratulated the Wheelers on their new opportunity and enjoyed fresh grilled pork loin sandwiches, baked beans and lemonade.

“Farm families take great pride in doing things right. Sometimes it’s easy to just look at a farmer and say, ‘Well, since you raise this many hogs or this many laying hens or this many cattle, you should face more restrictions and more regulations.’ In fact, what the study shows is that every farmer, regardless of size, has a role to play in being a good neighbor and good steward of our air and water.”

Troy Wheeler, a Lorimor (Madison County) grain and livestock farmer, reacting to the Iowa DNR’s odor study released this week. The study found that the size of a farm is not a factor in livestock odor. Wheeler and his family recently hosted an open house and ribbon cutting celebrating the completion of their new 2,400-head hog finishing barn.

“It’s a matter of fairness. Everyday, we are mindful of all rules and regulations that have been passed by the Iowa legislature. Yet one person wants to be able to say that’s not good enough. That doesn’t seem right. A farmer can undertake the costs of planning and preparing to add some more livestock to the farm and follow all the regulations and still be denied the chance based on just one person’s opinion. There are plenty of challenges in farming today without having one person’s opinion be the deciding factor as to whether or not you can build.”

Marlin Marckmann, a crop and livestock farmer from Adair County, in response to a plan by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to grant its director sole authority for dictating where and how livestock can be raised in Iowa. A February survey of 400 Iowans commissioned by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers found that nearly two-thirds are opposed to the planned power grab, saying that one person should not have that much authority over livestock farmers.

“Iowa has the economic potential to be a livestock dynamo -- much more than it is now. It’s not a question as to whether Iowa is capable of supporting more livestock. What the state needs is visionary political leadership to determine whether the state wants the benefits to come from that growth.”

Bruce Babcock, Director, Center for Agricultural and Rural Development speaking March 28 at “Farming Matters: A Forum for Crop and Livestock Farmers.” Babcock said Iowa has the economic advantages, the natural resources advantages and the market opportunities to effectively grow the livestock industry. “However, it’s not clear that the citizens of Iowa are being given the information to help make an informed decision on this important topic.”

“Dissent rescues democracy from a quiet death. Dissent is democracy. If we cannot understand that basic idea, we are lost. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement understands the necessity of informed dissent.”

Bob Uetz, long-time leader and member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, in a letter to the editor appearing in newspapers throughout Iowa. Ironically, ICCI is the same organization that led a “community” meeting March 27 in Malcom (Poweshiek County) to discuss the dangers of a “factory farm” being considering by a local farm family. When the family at the center of ICCI’s storm asked to speak for 5-6 minutes to “tell their story,” the meeting’s chair denied them the opportunity. According to the Brooklyn Chronicle, the ICCI member leading the meeting defended the decision, suggesting only that “they (the family) form their own meeting if they want the public to hear their side.” So much for dissent.

“Doing the right thing is the most important thing. And the right thing to do is open communication with neighbors.”

Rex Hoppes, Organization Director, Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, speaking March 28 to farmers attending the organization’s “Farming Matters” Forum at the Amana Colonies. Hoppes said that being neighborly is the fabric of farming. “That’s why close neighbors deserve personal notification directly from the farmer prior to constructing a new livestock farm. That’s not something that can or should be done by someone else.”

“Some of my friends think it’s crazy that I’m not interested in getting out of Wayne County. They all think I should get a high powered job somewhere else but that’s never been for me. I just tell them that farming is the only lifestyle I’ve known and it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Levi Davis, 16, of Corydon. Davis, who raises cattle with his family, is a junior at Wayne Community High School and ranks among the top-10 scholastically in his class. He was one of more than 400 Iowa FFA students who completed a survey conducted by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers highlighting the interest young people have in farming and raising livestock. The study found that the vast majority of FFA students want to farm or pursue an ag-related career. They also want to achieve at least a four-year degree and live and work in Iowa after completing their education. “Farming is what I’ve wanted to do for longer than I can remember,” says Davis. “It’s what my grandpa did and it’s what my dad does. I guess you could say that farming just kind of gets in your blood.”

“I write this on Good Friday and I have to wonder, where are all those who profess to believe that Jesus rose from the dead and will come again? For if they believe in the resurrection, surely they must also believe in his other teachings. Or at least a few. “Help thy neighbor,” and “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world but lose his mortal soul?” are a few that come to mind. And if they believe, then why don’t they rise up and help fight the common enemy that is destroying our community? Yes, yet another CAFO is trying to come to Davis County.”

Garry Klicker, Bloomfield, writing in the April 19 Bloomfield Democrat. Klicker has been a long-time advocate for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and has, among other things, likened livestock farmers to child abusers. Klicker used his latest letter to also invoke more people to join ICCI. Referencing scriptural passages is a common tactic used by activists to provoke opposition to livestock farming. Others tactics include litigation and regulation, demonstrations and media stunts, eroding public support for research and harassment, intimidation and in some case, violence.

“We have more opportunity in agriculture today than I can recall. Technology and education are transforming the business and offering new opportunities for those willing to make changes. The dumb farmer no longer exists today.”

Stan Mehmen, a crop and livestock farmer from Plainfield (Butler County). Stan and his wife Karmen recently welcomed their son Kyle and his wife Kerri to the farm as full-time partners in the diversified operation. The Mehmens helped launch the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers in 2004 by participating in a central Iowa news conference and hosting a northeast Iowa media event on their farm. Earlier this spring, CSIF returned to the Mehmen’s farm to talk about the role of the Coalition and ways a vibrant farm economy create opportunities for families and their children.

“While some people might cast a slanted eye at all confinement operations, just let those same people drive up to one of (Jim) Boyer’s confinements. As the visitor gets out of his car, he might have to walk around one of the confinement buildings for a while before determining where the pigs are housed. Compared to open lot built a generation or so ago, the odor is minimal.”

Michael Tidemann, staff writer for the Estherville Daily News (April 28, 2005), after touring the Jim and Lisa Boyer farm near Ringsted. The Boyers raise crops and livestock on their northwest Iowa farm and recently hosted Tidemann for a newspaper article highlighting ways farmers are caring for their livestock and environment.

“While some people might cast a slanted eye at all confinement operations, just let those same people drive up to one of (Jim) Boyer’s confinements. As the visitor gets out of his car, he might have to walk around one of the confinement buildings for a while before determining where the pigs are housed. Compared to open lot built a generation or so ago, the odor is minimal.”

Michael Tidemann, staff writer for the Estherville Daily News (April 28, 2005), after touring the Jim and Lisa Boyer farm near Ringsted. The Boyers raise crops and livestock on their northwest Iowa farm and recently hosted Tidemann for a newspaper article highlighting ways farmers are caring for their livestock and environment.

“I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did.”

Benjamin Harrison. Nominated for President on the eighth ballot at the 1888 Republican Convention, Harrison is best known for conducting one of the first "front-porch" campaigns in which he delivered short speeches to delegations that visited him in Indianapolis.

“If we create enough problems for CAFO builders, operators will see that they’ll have to put up with nuisance lawsuits. That’s the only recourse that’s been successful.”

Robert Swanson, secretary of Jefferson County Farmers and Neighbors Inc., in the Sept. 22, 2005 "Heartland Spirit." J-FAN collaborates with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement and the Global Resource Action Center for the Environment to stop the growth of progressive livestock farming in Jefferson County and southeast Iowa.

“Crop farmers are looking seriously at hog buildings as a source of fertilizer. Both nitrogen and phosphorous prices are higher than in previous years and farmers are looking for ways to control crop input costs.”

Dr. John Lawrence, Iowa State University Extension livestock specialist, citing one reason as to why interest continues to run high in constructing new hog barns in Iowa.

“I feel empathy for farmers trying to earn a living. But there are certainly better farm practices that can earn good bucks in the heartland than animal confinements and factory farming. Why not pursue them? I only hope that somehow people’s consciences will lead them to support more caring, respectful treatment for our land, air, water, neighbors and the animals we use for food and profit.”

Cindy Ballou of Fairfield in a letter to the editor appearing in the Fairfield Ledger. Ballou was upset by studies released by Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that found odor claims against farmers are exaggerated. She said that if new buildings are so great, why don’t farmers host some tours. Truth be told, many farmers have. Since the Coalition’s launch, many farmers have conducted open houses and ribbon cuttings to celebrate the construction of a new livestock barn. Another will be held Friday, June 30 at the Kevin and Lisa Rasmussen farm near Hardy (Humboldt County).

“The rule change is making it harder to get into the industry. It’s going to be more and more complicated to keep records.”

Dwight Lowenberg, Wapello County hog farmer, in an interview with the Des Moines Register following a June 19 vote by the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission to further restrict where and how livestock can be raised in Iowa. Lowenberg farms with two sons in southeast Iowa and raises 8,800 hogs. The Iowa EPC, by a vote of 5-2, approved an administrative rule that gives the Iowa DNR Director the power to subjectively determine where proposed livestock farms can be located.

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”

Abraham Lincoln

“It takes cooperation and collaboration to make communities successful. We have an ag-based community so when farmers do well, the community of Atlantic does well. We want to foster these partnerships through greater understanding.”

Ann Pross, Director, Altantic Chamber of Commerce, on the interdependence between farms and main streets. Pross joined nearly 100 people at the farm of Nick and Sue Hunt June 30 to recognize the family for being selected as the June Good Farm Neighbor Award winner. The award is presented by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Iowa Ag Radio Network and sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.

“Everyone who spoke made it clear that they were against large hog confinement facilities as they operate currently.”

Ottumwa Courier staff writer Mark Newman (July 6, 2006) describing 25 people who participated in a “chartered” bus tour of livestock barns in Davis County. The tour, promoted by the Sierra Club Leopold Group, Sky Factory owner Bill Witherspoon of Fairfield and the southeast Iowa chapter of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (ICCI), “gave Jefferson County residents an opportunity for a ‘firsthand experience’ at the large hog facilities.” The group is, according to Newman, “interested in keeping confined (or concentrated) animal feeding operations out of Jefferson County.” ICCI president of the board Garry Klicker of Bloomfield helped lead the tour and warned tour participants that they would smell like hogs when they returned home (they could only drive by barns as they did not receive permission to tour any of the sites). Klicker aslo praised Witherspoon who invited his employees to be part of the tour. “If it becomes clear that the environment is significantly degraded, we will leave,” Witherspoon threatened.

"There aren't many cattle being fed here in Webster County anymore. It would be great if we could bring cattle feeding back to Iowa, so we wouldn't have to ship dried distillers grain so far to the feedlots. A lot is going out of state."

Webster County farmer Vance Bauer (Wallaces Farmer July 2006) speaking about the synergies between renewable energy production and raising livestock. Building demand for dried distillers grain (DDGs), a byproduct of ethanol production, is important because ethanol prices won't stay high indefinitely. "When the price of ethanol gets low, these plants will have to make money off of distillers grain," said Bauer. "DDGs are an important part of a plant's profit margin."

“This is a good deal for the community. It’s a good opportunity for city people to get a close look at these operations.”

Joe Nelson, who with wife Sandy, joined nearly 400 other residents at a celebration of agriculture held July 13 near Fairfield at the site a new hog barn constructed by Jim and Laura Kaska. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary pork loin dinner, asked questions about modern livestock farming and participated in tours of the new facility that will soon be home to 1,200 hogs.

“As the ethanol industry grows here, it’s real simple to see that we are going to have a big advantage over the big Western feedlots. It’s a great thing for Iowa to bring some cattle back to this state. We’ve got young people wanting to enter the cattle business for the long pull. This might be one of the best ways to do it.”

John Hall, Ankeny cattle feeder (July 30 Des Moines Register), on the role Iowa’s renewable energy industry can play in fostering growth in livestock farming and returning prosperity to rural communities.

“In the past five years alone, Iowa livestock producers have seen more than 30 new rule-making packages. The rules have always come through public input and careful consideration by elected representatives. Those decisions shouldn’t be made by any one individual, much less an appointed individual with individual bias.”

Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Lang in reference to a rule allowing Jeff Vonk, director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, to make the final decision and where livestock can be raised in Iowa. The DNR director discretion rule, supported by activist organizations and the Des Moines Register, can prohibit a livestock farmer from constructing a new facility even if the farmer follows all state rules and regulations. The Iowa Legislature, in a bi-partisan and overwhelming way, has twice objected to the rule.

“Farmers unable to relocate, especially young farmers, could be stuck with a county’s far-reaching demands which have nothing to do with the environment. It would be like have 99 referees for a basketball game or allowing each county to decide how many deer can be harvested. As with recreational activities, livestock farms need consistent, statewide regulations.”

Gene Ver Steeg, a hog farmer and veterinarian from Inwood, on the perils of county control of livestock farming in Iowa (Des Moines Register, Aug. 21).

"The consumer with the car is the king of the food chain. That’s because consumers can shop for food just like they can for computers and houses. By looking for the lowest price, consumers take the margin out of groceries at the grocery store. Grocers, in turn, take the profit margin out of processors, meaning processors must then take the margin away from farmers. Farmers must be more efficient or obtain more of the margin from other parts of the food chain. That takes ingenuity and hard work. It also requires that farmers change they way they grow crops and raise livestock.”

Mark Imerman, Iowa State University Economist speaking Aug. 25 in Cherokee at the Coalition’s Farming Matters Forum, an educational event for area crop and livestock farmers.

"The consumer with the car is the king of the food chain. That’s because consumers can shop for food just like they can for computers and houses. By looking for the lowest price, consumers take the margin out of groceries at the grocery store. Grocers, in turn, take the profit margin out of processors, meaning processors must then take the margin away from farmers. Farmers must be more efficient or obtain more of the margin from other parts of the food chain. That takes ingenuity and hard work. It also requires that farmers change they way they grow crops and raise livestock.”

Mark Imerman, Iowa State University Economist speaking Aug. 25 in Cherokee at the Coalition’s Farming Matters Forum, an educational event for area crop and livestock farmers.

“It’s good to have livestock in the area. Livestock farmers come to us and buy pipes, nozzles, hoses, clamps and general maintenance supplies. Nearly 30 percent of our business is directly related to livestock farming. It takes a lot of pet food to make up for that.”

Ervin Van Waardheizen, Newton, who works at Theisen’s, a farm and home store in Newton. Van Waardheizen was one of nearly 300 people who attended an open house and ribbon cutting Aug. 31 celebrating the construction of a new 2,400-head hog barn by the Kevin and Julie Van Manen family of Kellogg.

“I don’t believe that’s the case. To make the claim that what’s going on outside with air quality is going on inside (too) is totally wrong. The highest average inside home concentration for ammonia and hydrogen sulfide was 94.7 ppb and 2.5 ppb, respectively, both from a residence where the occupants smoked.”

Iowa State University research Dr. Steve Hoff on claims that nearby farms adversely impact the health and well-being of neighbors. Hoff has launched additional studies, in a controlled laboratory setting, to measure ammonia emitted by smokers, liquid cleaners, pet accessories, carpets and other household items. He said high ammonia levels inside homes should be heeded because of potential health impacts. Tobacco companies reportedly inject cigarettes with ammonia to increase the uptake of nicotine, negatively impacting human health and indoor air quality.

“(Chris) Murphy had no legal recourse herself as the (hog) site met state regulatory requirements, and being a good site should have, but she successfully marshaled the help of Iowa Great Lakes preservationists to her personal cause by portraying the proposed hog confinement as an environmental esthetic threat to the Lakes ecology and economy. She recognized the existing local sentiment and resources in the community and effectively exploited them to her cause. That's local control. No local politician is going to challenge what is perceived as ‘overwhelming public opinion.’ They will buckle at the knees.”

David Kruse, President, CommStock Investments, Inc. in a Sept. 15 column highlighting efforts by activists in Dickinson County opposing the construction of modern, sustainable livestock farms. Murphy, who serves as president of the Iowa Network for Local Control, pressured New Fashion Pork from constructing a new hog barn more than four miles west of Lake Okoboji, despite facts showing that the new facility would have no impact on the lakes area. Murphy’s group has joined forces with other activist groups in Iowa promoting county control – a move that would allow perception, not the facts, to dictate where and how livestock can be raised in Iowa.

“If local control becomes law, there will be places in Iowa that will not allow a farming operation to grow to include a new generation. Isn’t that the No. 1 argument for local control? This will put family farms at a disadvantage because those operations are limited to where the family is located.”

Gene Ver Steeg, DVM, a veterinarian and hog farmer from Inwood. Ver Steeg, who also serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, made his thoughts known in an Oct. 3 letter to the editor published in the Des Moines Register.

“Let’s examine another major issue of our time: U.S. dependence on foreign fuels. I truly believe that a significant part of the solution is going to be found right here in rural America where we're growing barrels of fuel by the bushel. Ethanol has broken through commercialization barriers, and it won't be long before new forms of home-grown renewable energy become mainstream.”

--Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns on Wednesday, speaking at the National Academy of Sciences’ “Conference on Education and 21st Century American Agriculture.”

“Iowa is still an agricultural state and we will not prosper without it. Niche farming will carry us only so far and while the focus on ethanol may create new opportunities, livestock will continue to be a critical part of agriculture. We cannot afford to outsource another industry from this state or country.”

Rep. Mike May (R-House District 6, Dickinson County) in his “Capitol Comments” column published in community newspapers located in his northwest Iowa district.

“I like to eat, including meat, and I have the good farmers of Iowa and Dickinson County to thank for food on my table. The family farms of today are larger than the family farms of yesterday. There’s no going back if we want a food supply and we need to protect that food supply every bit as much as our water and air.”

Carol Hiner, Spirit Lake, in a letter to the editor published in the Dickinson County News Oct. 17.

“I’ve been keeping updated on Andy Muff’s situation. By golly, why are people giving him such a hard time? This is agriculture. This is farm land. People want to eat and the people on the farm have to do it. I’m really happy for them.”

Wilbert Borcherding who, with his wife Margot, farmed for nearly 40 years near Hampton. The Borcherdings joined more than 200 people at an open house and ribbon cutting Oct. 14 hosted by Andy Muff of Ventura and his fiancé Hayley Klooster. Wilbert milked cows, raised hogs and cattle and said today’s modern livestock facilities are envied by many retired farmers. “This is really a beautiful building,” he said upon entering one of Muff’s 1,200-head swine finishing barns. “Oh, to have had this back in my days.”

"We don’t do this by ourselves. I mean in the old days we did, we grew the corn, we grind the feed, we did everything by ourselves and now we depend on other people and we didn’t build those buildings ourselves. We depended on the cement truck and the construction workers and a factory to make all the supplies for it. And now that the pigs are in there, we depend on the feed truck that comes from the local co-op and the feed guy is our neighbor. So if we go out of business, so does he. He has to go find a new job and it goes on and on and as she was saying, we also buy supplies at the store and we also go to the school so we are a huge asset. So if there’s local control, and they close all of us down or stop all of this, where do we go? We have to go to a different state."

Hayley Klooster, who, with her fiance Andy Muff, farm near Ventura in Cerro Gordo County. Klooster, Andy and other farmers talked about the realities of modern farming and their efforts to raise livestock responsibly and successfullyduring the Nov. 2 edition of WHO Radio's Jan Mickelson Show.

“It’s a great chance to let folks know what these new buildings are like and how they’ll be maintained. Farms come in all shapes and sizes – that’s one of the beauties of farming. People can be independent and yet partner with others to be more successful and to make their communities more successful.”

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture-elect Bill Northey attending an open house and ribbon cutting at the Cedric and Marilyn Winterboer farm near Everly. The event, held Nov. 21, celebrated the completion of a new 2,400-head hog barn. The facility will be managed by a 20-year-old young farmer who welcomes the opportunity to work with livestock and start a farming career.

"There is a window of opportunity to expand the beef and dairy industries in the state by feeding by-products from the ethanol industry. If appropriate systems of manure storage and application are used, these will play a major role in substituting nutrients for crop production and enhance the soil by increasing the organic matter in the soil. Right now, the largest obstacle to expansion of the livestock industry is the price of corn. We really need to find a way to make the ethanol production and livestock industries a win-win situation."

Maynard Hogberg, Chair, Iowa State University Animal Science Department and professor of animal science (Farm News, Ft. Dodge, Dec. 1, 2006).

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, appearing on KRFX Radio (Denver, Colo.) declared that PETA “are a bunch of losers” and “frauds.” “What a bunch of losers. Don’t give your money to PETA,” he added. The Governor’s comments came Jan. 4 after a PETA spokeswoman offered excuses for why the organization did not offer to assist in feeding and rescuing livestock and animals following last month’s blizzard that stranded more than 340,000 cattle.

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens

Responsible management and open communication can defuse the emotion of what has become a sensitive issue, said Wayne Gieselman of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Environmental Services Division. “It all comes back to responsible management and being good neighbors.”

Mason City Globe Gazette (Jan. 17) highlighting comments made at a public forum on livestock farming held that same day in Mason City. The summit, hosted by the Globe Gazette and KIMT-TV, focused on ways to grow livestock farms successfully and responsibly. The general consensus was that how a farm is managed, not its size, plays the greatest role in enhancing livestock farming’s relationship with environmental quality and neighbors.

“I know Iowa farming interests believe all Iowans understand the importance of agriculture and that such a plan would never pass in Iowa. That sentiment, however, is probably much like that of Gen. Goerge Armstrong Custer at one point in his career.”

Farmer Trent Loos (Jan. 15 FeedStuffs), host of “Loos Tales” and “Rural Route” radio shows and founder of the “Faces of Agriculture” web site. Loos was referencing efforts by the Humane Society of the United States to ban the use of gestation stalls in pig farming, including successful ballot initiatives in Florida and Arizona. Last week, the HSUS announced it was targeting California with a similar ballot measure. Also last week, Smithfield Foods said it was voluntarily phasing out its use of gestation stalls over the next 10 years in favor of group housing for its hogs.

“Conservation and wildlife are very important to me. My goal is to leave these farms better than I found them. These fields have been in my family for five generations and they were in good condition when they were turned over to me. I want to leave them to my kids in better shape.”

Scott Tapper, a crop and livestock farmer from Webster City and president of the Iowa Pork Producers, in an interview appearing in the Sunday Des Moines Register (Feb. 4, 2007). Tapper utilizes manure from his hogs as fertilizer to improve soil fertility and reducing energy use. He also uses reduced tillage and has installed buffer strips and grass waterways to protect the soil.

"We can't choose between livestock and ethanol. We absolutely need both."

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey speaking Feb. 15 at an Ag Celebration Luncheon held in Fairfield. Northey said ethanol and livestock cannot be viewed as competitors but as important components of a strong and vibrant ag industry.

“These commissioners are clearly on the right track. They have maintained a balance among other EPC commissioners who are more likely to favor corporate agriculture over environmental integrity.”

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement activist member Garry Klicker of Bloomfield in a Feb. 21 Des Moines Register letter. Klicker, who has likened hog farmers to child abusers, stumped for the reappointment of organic dairy farmer Francis Thicke of Fairfield, Spirit Lake lawyer and indoor hog barn critic Donna Buell, farmer-realtor Jerry Peckumm of Jefferson and Lisa Davis Cook of West Des Moines. Klicker failed to name the EPC members who he accused of favoring "corporate agriculture” over the environment. He also did not mention ICCI’s past efforts accusing a southeast Iowa farmer and EPC member of having a conflict of interest. Her conflict: she happened to raise hogs. The charge was dismissed unanimously by the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board. So much for "balance."

“I’ve always been interested in the Coalition’s work and admired from afar what the organization accomplishes in serving the needs of farmers. I know I have a lot to learn but I look forward to the challenge. It’s an exciting time for Iowa agriculture and it’s great to be part of the Coalition’s team.”

Megan Ritter, CSIF Field Specialist. Ritter joined the CSIF team in February and will provide direct assistance to livestock farmers wanting to grow their farms responsibly and successfully. Ritter will also help lead the organization’s farmer education workshops and foster relations with the state’s dairy, beef, poultry and turkey sectors. Prior to assuming her role with the Coalition, Ritter served as national legislative counsel for the Michigan Farm Bureau. She also assisted in implementing voluntary environmental management programs on farms through partnerships with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program.

“Permits have been restricted to the point where you can’t hardly build in Oklahoma. The only reason we’re adding some additional sows is because he had room to grow under the permit we had. Otherwise, it’s close to impossible to grow because of the additional paperwork, delays and hoops that you have to jump through. In fact, I think it’s been at least six years since a new hog building permit was approved” in Oklahoma.

Chuck Luthi, Fargo, Oklahoma, during a visit with CSIF at the National Pork Forum March 3 in Anaheim, Calif. Luthi, who manages a 4,800-sow farm, said regulations, feed costs and water availability all play a role.

“I remember sitting in my (office) cubicle shortly after graduating from college and realizing that an office job wasn’t for me.  I knew this was where I wanted to be.  I enjoy the variety of chores and responsibilities and working with family.”

Iowa State University graduate Justin Crawford, age 28, of Adair about returning home and becoming an important part of the family farm and business. Justin works with his brother Blake and father Randy in managing a diversified farm and Adair Feed & Grain in northern Cass County. The family says agriculture’s impact in the area is huge but could grow substantially if residents and community leaders worked together to help livestock farmers grow responsibly and successfully.

“Many are talking about rising feed prices and the impact that it may have. I think we need to settle down on this. When there’s a way to make money, farmers have a way of overproducing. I don’t think we may do that this year but could next year. My judgment is that it’s okay for feed prices to go up and meat prices go up. I believe that far too long we’ve been underselling. The higher prices for corn and meat have a way of changing things for the better. I’ll go anywhere and speak to anyone and tell them that we’re not paying enough for our food. We have a chance to change the entire price structure for agriculture and that’s a good thing.”

Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Chair of the House Ag Committee responsible for drafting a new farm bill. Peterson’s comments were made March 20 at the 6th annual Animal Ag Alliance in Arlington, Virginia.

"When people talk about ag becoming less and less of the state economy, we don’t see evidence of that. Iowa has done better at most at finding new and ways to add value to the commodities we produce whether its oatmeal made in Cedar Rapids, ethanol in Mason City or cattle in Sioux County.”

Mark Imerman, ISU Economist, on highlighting the value of agriculture to communities on “Livestock and North Central Iowa – Partners in Success” broadcast live on KGLO AM 1300 March 22. The two-hour forum, sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, was held in conjunction with National Ag Week and highlighted the economic importance of livestock, CSIF’s efforts to help farmers grow responsibly and successfully and ways livestock farming fuels Iowa’s energy independence.

“We all need food to be content… to live. Next to family and faith, there’s nothing more important than food.”

Kent Fehr of West Bend who, along with his parents and three three brothers, helps manage Fehr Countryside Farms in Kossuth County. Kent says he learned a lot from his parents including a love of farming and the importance of hard work.

“The Coalition’s services have become an invaluable resource for Iowa’s livestock, dairy and poultry farmers as they work to grow their farms responsibly and successfully. Since our launch three years ago, we’ve helped nearly 700 farm families meet and exceed regulations, find good locations for new farms and develop stronger relations with neighbors. We’re committed to helping livestock farms and their communities grow and prosper together. The Coalition has a positive, solutions-oriented approach and I look forward to helping lead that effort as board president.”

Kevin Vinchattle, Executive Director of the Iowa Poultry Association and newly-elected president of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmer’s board of directors. Vinchattle has served as a member of the CSIF board since the organization’s launch in May 2004. He replaces Kirk Leeds, Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Soybean Association, who completed a three-year term as CSIF board president.

“There’s an interest to raise more livestock and that’s a good thing for us and the community. When livestock farms locate here in Adair and Cass County, it provides young people with an opportunity to farm. It also creates additional demand for corn and soybeans grown here by area farmers and for feed milled here at 21st Century.”

Randy Daugherty, general manager, 21st Century Cooperative of Cumberland on the value of raising more livestock in southwest Iowa. Daugherty calculates that 9,600 hogs consume nearly 200,000 bushels per acre each year. Figuring an average yield of 180 bushels per acre, those hogs will create demand for nearly 1,100 acres of corn.

“Honestly, I just always wanted to feed cattle. I don’t know if it’s a disease or what they call it.”

Jake Johnson (laughingly), who, with wife Paige, recently constructed a new hoop cattle barn on their farm near Kanawha. The Johnsons built the new barn to help grow their farm from 150 head to 800 head. Jake said he came back to the area because of the opportunities provided by the growing renewable fuels sector. “We saw the ethanol plants going up and we thought we’d be able to get they byproducts” to affordably raise cattle, he said.

“There are a lot of things we can be number one in other than the number of cattle. I want to see Iowa be number-one in the production of high-quality, value-added cattle; number one in producer profitability; and number one in environmentally sustainable systems. If we can do that, this industry will grow and be vibrant and be good citizens of the community.”

Dr. John Lawrence, ISU Extension livestock economist and director of the Iowa Beef Center, on the optimism that exists in Iowa’s growing cattle feeding business. On April 1, the number of cattle on feed in 1,000-head-plus Iowa feedlots totaled 530,000 head, up from 500,000 head last year.

“Atlantic is a great place to be because there are a lot of good livestock and crop farmers around. Farmers who raise livestock need manure spreaders, feed wagons, hay grinders, loaders, buckets, parts, accessories and service. Livestock farmers need a lot of things which helps local businesses like ours.”

Bob Lindeman of Lindeman Tractor Inc., Atlantic. For more than 60 years, the Lindeman family has owned and operated the company which is a fixture located on the west edge of town. The New Holland business, founded in 1944, flourishes thanks to a strong agricultural economy fueled by livestock farming and a family dedicated to taking care of its customers.

“Until the laws are written and signed by the governor, we have 40-plus people here who are willing to step up to the plate and do what needs to be done. We are supplementing government officials in carrying out current laws, some of which are very inadequate, very complex and difficult to fully administer.”

Connie Rozinek, member of the Story County-based Indian Creek Advocates for Resources and the Environment (Tri-County Times, May 31). The group’s mission is to “protect the area” by further regulating area livestock farmers. ICARE also plans to push for more regulation of livestock farmers. Rozinek quickly adds, however, that they “don’t want to keep anyone from making a living.”

“We may see fewer of these catastrophic events, but in general across the state, I don’t thing we would see any major increase in the water quality.”

Chuck Corell, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ water quality bureau, in reference to pressure by anti-livestock activists to further regulate farm families who raise livestock (Des Moines Register, July 2, 2007). Corell said that eight Carroll county farmers were fined last year for alleged manure runoff caused by heavy rains and snow melt. However, it’s difficult, he said, to assess how much livestock farmers are to blame for high nitrogen or phosphorous levels in Iowa waters. That’s because many sources impact water quality including leaking sewer systems, municipal sewage bypasses, wildlife, lawn, golf course and crop fertilizer and the natural decomposition of organic matter, to name just a few.

“Iowa is the agriculture state in the eyes of the nation, so whatever happens there tends to influence the trends around the country. Most people in the East think that farmers are in control in Iowa, but there is quite an activist movement there, coming right out of Des Moines.”

Dennis Treacy, Smithfield Foods vice president of environmental and corporate affairs. Treacy said that Iowa’s prominence as an agricultural state makes an inviting target for anti-livestock activists. In addition to communicating messages that drive negative reaction toward livestock farming, those opposed to the occupation are also using the ballot box to push their agendas. This includes the use of ballot initiatives to outlaw certain livestock management practices.

“Without the support and cooperation of people in the pork industry and organizations such as the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Select Farms and others, it wouldn’t be possible for these programs to survive. Otherwise, the college was looking at scaling back the program to half time.”

Mike Faga, associate professor of swine management, Ellsworth Community College, Iowa Falls. Faga made the statement July 12 after accepting a $60,000 investment from the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The funds will help the college to continue offering its swine management program on a full-time basis, providing young people with the knowledge and expertise they need to pursue careers in hog farming.

“We, as a livestock industry, are failing to answer the questions that consumers are posing. People are asking value-based questions that are principle driven and we come back to them with ‘science says’ or an answer that is economically driven. We’re perceived as being driven by only personal rewards and not answering the questions in a way that connects with the people asking them. That’s not how you build trust.”

Charlie Arnot, president of Kansas City-based CMA Consulting speaking July 24 at the United Soybean Board’s third annual Animal Agriculture Coalition meeting in St. Louis.

“Wilson Trailer is a world class company and for more than 115 years, we’ve strived to surpass our customer’s high expectations by providing quality products and service. CSIF shares our commitment of doing things right by helping Iowa’s livestock farmers grow responsibly and successfully. Wilson Trailer and the Coalition are two good names to have behind you.”

John Persinger, Wilson Trailer Co. vice president of marketing. Wilson Trailer joined with Kent Feeds on announcing Aug. 13 a joint investment in the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers. The funds will be used to help Iowa livestock farmers grow responsibly and successfully. Since the Coalition's launch in 2004, nearly 730 farm families have received assistance from CSIF in following all rules and regulations, identifying good locations for new facilities and enhancing neighbor relations and environmental stewardship efforts.

“We don’t need millions of dollars in some public relations campaign or task force study. We need people within the business who are experts in their own experiences to tell their own neighbors, their fellow church members and other soccer moms what is really happening in the industry of feeding and clothing people.”

Trent Loos, Nebraska rancher and producer and host of the “Loos Tales” and “Rural Route” radio shows. Loos says every farmer should visit with 10 people each week about that they do to provide the most affordable, healthiest and safest supply of food the world has ever seen.

“Here’s what you would have been reading just three years ago: ‘What are we going to do with all this corn? We have a surplus of corn as far as the eye can see and another big crop coming. What are we going to do with all these soybeans? Is there a market out there for these soybeans?’ And it's unbelievable how literally in less than 36 months that world has changed. It’s changed pretty significantly. A friend of mine talked to me recently and said, ‘I’ve got a good strategy for you.’ I said, ‘What?’ He said, ‘Take credit for all these high prices and quit.’”

Outgoing Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, in a light-hearted moment (Sept. 20, 2007) during a National Pork Producers Council meeting. President Bush announced one day later that Johanns would resign his post in pursuit of elected office in Nebraska.

“Iowa agriculture is changing and evolving with the bio-economy. We emphasize practices that are environmentally friendly and take into account animal welfare and our non-farming neighbors. When you look at the economics, the chance to encourage younger generations in family farming and the natural cycle of sustainability, there are plenty of benefits to Iowans when it comes to raising livestock.”

Roger Zylstra, chairman of the Iowa Corn Growers Association/Iowa Corn Promotion Board’s animal agriculture and environment committee. Zylstra raises crops and livestock near Kellogg in Jasper County.