Iowa agriculture puts healthy, affordable choices of food on the table for today’s consumers and brings jobs and economic development to the state according to a just-completed economic analysis sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF).
The tally of agriculture’s impact, based on 2007 Census of Agriculture data, reveals farming is tightly linked to many Iowa industries. Production agriculture and ag-related industries directly and indirectly employ one of every six Iowans (or 17 percent of the state’s workforce). They’re also responsible for adding $72.1 billion to the state’s economy, or 27 percent of the state’s total. This represents a two percent increase over a previous analysis utilizing 2002 Census of Agriculture data.
That’s good news during a time of economic adversity and shows Iowa agriculture continues to grow. In fact, the strong presence of ag production, processing and manufacturing in Iowa helps buffer the state from the severity of national economic downturns. Iowa’s unemployment rate is 6.1 percent compared to the national total of 9.4 percent.
“What impresses me,” says Dan Otto, Iowa State University extension economist who helped prepare the study, “is that when you consider the growth and diversification of Iowa’s economy over recent years, agriculture is still a very dominant player. For certain counties, it is the dominant industry.
“The diversification of farming has made agriculture the leading industry in more than a quarter of the counties in our state,” he adds. “One could say that this study shows Iowa is as dependent on farming as Detroit is on car manufacturing.”
Craig Floss, chief executive officer of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and CSIF board president, says the purpose of the study was to find out how much the state’s current economy is being helped by farming today. The findings are good news for Iowa.
“It’s clear that farming, food and feed processing, and every other area agriculture touches, is critical to Iowa,” he says. “The continued support and growth of farming is vital to the long-term economic health of our state.”
The CSIF-sponsored analysis shows that farming and ag-related industries in Iowa account for nearly $23 billion in value-added, (19 percent of Iowa’s total), which takes into account the process of producing and converting agricultural commodities into products suitable for use by consumers both in and outside Iowa.
The study also reaffirms the importance of livestock and poultry farming’s contribution to individual families. Statewide, livestock and poultry production contributes nearly $1.1 billion to household income. Raising livestock and poultry alone generates 43,324 jobs in Iowa. When meat processing is factored in, research shows a contribution of 80,278 jobs to the state with a total economic value of $19.5 billion in Iowa.
The analysis included a review of data from several sources including the 2007 Census of Agriculture, the U.S. Bureaus of Economic Analysis and Labor Statistics, the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the IMPLAN economic modeling software.
Additional details, including a complete county-by-county breakdown of the analysis results (including jobs and household income), are available at the CSIF website, www.supportfarmers.com. (Source: The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers)
8.28.2009
Iowa State Dairy Association President Meets with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
On Wednesday, August 19, Wayne Dykshorn, President of the Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA), spoke candidly with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. Vilsack made a stop at the Iowa State Fair as part of his USDA Rural Tour.
“I wanted to speak to Secretary Vilsack about the crisis in the dairy industry,” says Dykshorn, “I am appreciative for what has been done so far but it isn’t enough.”
Dykshorn says the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) and increasing support prices in butter, powdered milk and cheese have helped but more must be done to aid dairy farmers.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to reiterate the dire situation that we, dairy farmers, are in,” says Dykshorn.
Earlier this week Dykshorn also had the opportunity to speak with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey. “I encouraged Secretary Northey to hold a commodity summit in the near future so all agriculture groups can work together to grow agriculture in Iowa and throughout the United States and the world,” says Dykshorn. “Secretary Northey seemed very receptive to that idea.”
A recent study by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers proved that agriculture is crucial to the state of Iowa. It found that farmers and their products directly or indirectly employ 17 percent of Iowa’s workforce which is one out of every six Iowans. Farmers are also responsible for 27 percent of Iowa’s total economy, equaling $72.1 billion.
“Agriculture, including the dairy industry, is extremely important to Iowa and everything possible must be done to ensure that agriculture has a future in Iowa,” says Dykshorn. (source: ISDA news release)
“I wanted to speak to Secretary Vilsack about the crisis in the dairy industry,” says Dykshorn, “I am appreciative for what has been done so far but it isn’t enough.”
Dykshorn says the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) and increasing support prices in butter, powdered milk and cheese have helped but more must be done to aid dairy farmers.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to reiterate the dire situation that we, dairy farmers, are in,” says Dykshorn.
Earlier this week Dykshorn also had the opportunity to speak with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Bill Northey. “I encouraged Secretary Northey to hold a commodity summit in the near future so all agriculture groups can work together to grow agriculture in Iowa and throughout the United States and the world,” says Dykshorn. “Secretary Northey seemed very receptive to that idea.”
A recent study by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers proved that agriculture is crucial to the state of Iowa. It found that farmers and their products directly or indirectly employ 17 percent of Iowa’s workforce which is one out of every six Iowans. Farmers are also responsible for 27 percent of Iowa’s total economy, equaling $72.1 billion.
“Agriculture, including the dairy industry, is extremely important to Iowa and everything possible must be done to ensure that agriculture has a future in Iowa,” says Dykshorn. (source: ISDA news release)
8.17.2009
New Iowa Dairy Princess Crowned
Many women dream of being a princess, but one lucky young woman got her wish Wednesday night (August 12). Katie Adams, 18, of Waucoma was crowned the 56th State Iowa Dairy Princess at an evening coronation in Des Moines, Iowa, at the State Fairgrounds. The title allows her to serve as the official goodwill ambassador for nearly 2,000 Iowa dairy farmers during the coming year. Adams represented Fayette County.
Adams is the daughter of Scott and Jeanie Adams. She plans to attend Iowa State University pursuing a degree in dairy science. Adams also received a scholarship from the Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association.
Stacy Fitzpatrick, representing Delaware County, was named Alternate Dairy Princess. Fitzpatrick will attend Iowa State University pursuing a degree in agricultural business and animal science with an emphasis in dairy science. Fitzpatrick also received a scholarship from the Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association. Her parents are Mark and Sheri Fitzpatrick of Greeley.
Eleven women competed for the 2009 Iowa Dairy Princess title and were judged on their knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, enthusiasm for promotion and personality. Kari Lien, 19, of Winneshiek County received the award for best dairy presentation. Her parents are Gary and Patty Lien.
Miss Congeniality was Teresa Decker, 19, of Bernard and the daughter of James and Marlene Decker. She is the Dubuque County Dairy Princess.
The Iowa Division of Midwest Dairy Association annually sponsors the Iowa Dairy Princess contest. The young woman chosen as the Iowa Dairy Princess acts as a spokesperson for the dairy industry and Midwest Dairy Association.
Adams will participate in public appearances, speaking engagements and other promotional activities across the state of Iowa over the next 12 months. Adams replaces Katie Steinlage of West Union, the 2008 – 2009 Iowa Dairy Princess. As Iowa Dairy Princess, Adams looks forward to reaching out to others about the benefits of “3-A-Day of Dairy.”
Fitzpatrick replaces Leah Henkes of Luana, the 2008-2009 Alternate Dairy Princess. As Iowa Alternate Princess, Fitzpatrick is excited for the opportunity to spread important messages about dairy to Iowa consumers.
7.31.2009
County Livestock Appeals
Summary: The public comment period on a rule that would change the appeal process for livestock confinement farm permits is open until August 6. Currently, counties that have adopted the state’s master matrix may challenge the DNR staff’s decision to approve a construction permit through the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC). DNR staff is required to evaluate permit applications to ensure compliance with air and water quality protection regulations. The EPC has been discussing a rule to broaden its own authority since a settlement that determined there was no legal justification for EPC denying a particular livestock permit.
The proposed rule makes several changes to the appeal process. Most notably, the EPC would be able to call witnesses “to assist in its establishment of a record at the hearing.” These provisions allow the EPC to introduce its own evidence to justify its decision. Any written material accepted by the chairperson will be allowed to be submitted for the record regardless of who submitted the material. The rule allows only the EPC members and its legal counsel to ask questions of anyone attending the appeal hearing; not the parties to the hearing. The EPC also directs the DNR to put its entire permit application file on the DNR’s web site within five days of receiving the notice of appeal. (Summary courtesy of Christina Gruenhagen, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation Government Relations Council.)
Comments are due by August 6th. You may either attend one of the three public hearings, or mail, fax or email written comments (see contact info for Randy Clark below).
Submit Comments to:
Mail: Randy Clark
Iowa DNR
Wallace State Office Bldg
502 E 9th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Fax: (515) 281-8895
E-mail: Randy.Clark@dnr.iowa.gov
Public Hearings
Public hearings will be held at the following locations. Each person attending will have the opportunity to publicly state their comments or you can hand in written comments.
Spencer: August 4, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Clay County Administration Building
Board Room
300 W. 4th Street
Spencer, IA
Des Moines: August 5, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Wallace State Office Building
5th Floor East Conference Room
502 E. 9th Street
Des Moines, IA
Ainsworth: August 6, 2009 at 1 p.m.
Washington County Conservation
Education Center-Marr Park
2943 Highway 92
Ainsworth, IA
Please remember to keep your comments specific to this issue. Comments are due by August 6, 2009!
Suggested Comments:
(Comments provided in-part by Christina Gruenhagen, IFBF Government Relations Council)
* The EPC’s role should be to listen to the arguments and evidence presented by the county and the permit applicant—and then make a decision. If the EPC can introduce its own evidence, the EPC prevents itself from being impartial and therefore increases the chance of bias.
* Only the evidence submitted by the county, permit applicant, and DNR staff should be considered in the appeal. If someone didn’t attend the county’s public hearing or the county decided the evidence wasn’t credible, he/she should not get another chance by participating in the EPC appeal.
* The appeal process should be fair to the permit applicant. The applicant has a right to due process in the consideration of their appeal, which would be jeopardized by the proposed procedures.
* Farmers’ permit applications, including personal information, should not be placed on the internet. Farmers and the landowners they contract with are already subject to harassment, vandalism and other criminal activity, which would be made easier by internet publication.
* Question the benefit behind giving the EPC this type of power and influence during hearings.
7.09.2009
The Dairy Financial Situation: Taking Charge in Challenging Times
This is a turbulent, trying time for the US dairy industry, with the dynamics of the global economy impacting dairy farm owners and agri-businesses. Through no fault of their own, dairy owners may be facing a financial crisis.
ISU Extension invites dairy producers, bankers and lenders, and community leaders to an informational meeting to learn about financial and legal options available to dairy farm owners, and about stress management strategies and resources for farm owners and their families. Speakers will include John Baker, Attorney at Law, Iowa Concern Hotline; Erin Herbold, Legal consultant, Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation; and ISU Extension Specialists in Farm Management, Dairy, and Family Life.
The workshops will address these topics:
“What is going on in our dairy industry?!”
What are my financial options and strategies? How do I talk to my banker about my situation?
What legal options and strategies do I have?
Making good decisions during stressful times: What tools are available to me and my family?
What should I tell the kids?
Here is the complete schedule of dates and locations offered throughout Iowa:
July 28 - Forster Community Center, 404 1st Ave, Rock Rapids
July 29 – ISU Extension- Sioux County Office, 400 Central Ave NW, Orange City
July 30 - Lohff Community Center, corner of Hwy 59 & Hwy 20, Holstein
Aug 4 - NE Research Farm, 3321 29th St, Nashua
Aug 5 - NE IA Dairy Foundation, 1527 Hwy 150 South, Calmar
Aug 6 - Oelwein Public Library, 201 E. Charles St. Oelwein
Aug 18 - ISU Extension - Dubuque County Office, 14858 West Ridge Lane, Dubuque
Aug 19 - Elkader AEA Building, 14002 2nd St NW, Elkader
Aug 20 - ISU Extension- Jones County office/ Jones Co Farm Bureau, 605 E. Main, Anamosa
All workshops are from 1-4 p.m. Light refreshments and printed materials will be available. For further information call Chris Mondak, 712-737-4230 for NW sites, or contact Dale Thoreson, 319-267-2702 or Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 for NE Iowa sites.
ISU Extension invites dairy producers, bankers and lenders, and community leaders to an informational meeting to learn about financial and legal options available to dairy farm owners, and about stress management strategies and resources for farm owners and their families. Speakers will include John Baker, Attorney at Law, Iowa Concern Hotline; Erin Herbold, Legal consultant, Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation; and ISU Extension Specialists in Farm Management, Dairy, and Family Life.
The workshops will address these topics:
“What is going on in our dairy industry?!”
What are my financial options and strategies? How do I talk to my banker about my situation?
What legal options and strategies do I have?
Making good decisions during stressful times: What tools are available to me and my family?
What should I tell the kids?
Here is the complete schedule of dates and locations offered throughout Iowa:
July 28 - Forster Community Center, 404 1st Ave, Rock Rapids
July 29 – ISU Extension- Sioux County Office, 400 Central Ave NW, Orange City
July 30 - Lohff Community Center, corner of Hwy 59 & Hwy 20, Holstein
Aug 4 - NE Research Farm, 3321 29th St, Nashua
Aug 5 - NE IA Dairy Foundation, 1527 Hwy 150 South, Calmar
Aug 6 - Oelwein Public Library, 201 E. Charles St. Oelwein
Aug 18 - ISU Extension - Dubuque County Office, 14858 West Ridge Lane, Dubuque
Aug 19 - Elkader AEA Building, 14002 2nd St NW, Elkader
Aug 20 - ISU Extension- Jones County office/ Jones Co Farm Bureau, 605 E. Main, Anamosa
All workshops are from 1-4 p.m. Light refreshments and printed materials will be available. For further information call Chris Mondak, 712-737-4230 for NW sites, or contact Dale Thoreson, 319-267-2702 or Larry Tranel, 563-583-6496 for NE Iowa sites.
6.29.2009
Monsanto Moblie Tech Unit to Visit the Dairy Center
The Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) will be at The Dairy Center, near Calmar, on June 30 and July 1-2. Monsanto's unique Mobile Technology Unit – a custom-made 18 wheeler that can run on biofuels – has begun touring throughout the U.S., showcasing innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology to support farmer success. The event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, is open to the public and admission is free.
The new 53-foot-long traveling unit, with 1,000 square feet of exhibit space, will visit rural communities, agricultural trade shows and other special events across the country. In its first year, it is expected to make an estimated 40 stops, hosting tours for thousands of invited farmers, family members and other participants.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to have the Monsanto Technology Unit at the Dairy Center. In addition to learning about the latest in ag technology, visitors can also tour our modern dairy farm and learn about the Dairy Foundation while they are here,” said Kelli Boylen, Director of the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation.
Aboard the MTU, farmers will first view an introductory video featuring football legend and Iowa farm boy Kurt Warner, and then take a guided tour through exhibit areas which feature displays, videos and interactive elements about breeding, crop analytics, biotechnology, product pipeline and ethanol.
A large turnout is expected for the three-day event. On June 30, KVIK radio will broadcast live and the Iowa Corn Growers Association will attend that night. Civic groups and city, county and state decision makers will arrive on July 1, and FFA groups from throughout Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota and Southwest Wisconsin will make their visit on July 2. Additional guests may also attend, as planning continues.
The Dairy Center is located just south of Northeast Iowa Community College’s Calmar campus. NICC and Iowa State University partnered with the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation to create the center, which was built in 2000. The Center consists of a 200-cow dairy farm and 17,000 square feet of classrooms, displays a milking observation area, a freestall barn, an educational exhibit titled Iowa’s Dairy Story and Iowa’s Dairy Museum. The Foundation is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the future of the dairy industry. No RSVP is needed, everyone is welcome.
The new 53-foot-long traveling unit, with 1,000 square feet of exhibit space, will visit rural communities, agricultural trade shows and other special events across the country. In its first year, it is expected to make an estimated 40 stops, hosting tours for thousands of invited farmers, family members and other participants.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to have the Monsanto Technology Unit at the Dairy Center. In addition to learning about the latest in ag technology, visitors can also tour our modern dairy farm and learn about the Dairy Foundation while they are here,” said Kelli Boylen, Director of the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation.
Aboard the MTU, farmers will first view an introductory video featuring football legend and Iowa farm boy Kurt Warner, and then take a guided tour through exhibit areas which feature displays, videos and interactive elements about breeding, crop analytics, biotechnology, product pipeline and ethanol.
A large turnout is expected for the three-day event. On June 30, KVIK radio will broadcast live and the Iowa Corn Growers Association will attend that night. Civic groups and city, county and state decision makers will arrive on July 1, and FFA groups from throughout Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota and Southwest Wisconsin will make their visit on July 2. Additional guests may also attend, as planning continues.
The Dairy Center is located just south of Northeast Iowa Community College’s Calmar campus. NICC and Iowa State University partnered with the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation to create the center, which was built in 2000. The Center consists of a 200-cow dairy farm and 17,000 square feet of classrooms, displays a milking observation area, a freestall barn, an educational exhibit titled Iowa’s Dairy Story and Iowa’s Dairy Museum. The Foundation is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the future of the dairy industry. No RSVP is needed, everyone is welcome.
6.25.2009
June Dairy Celebration to be Held Near Spencer
Families and the public are encouraged to visit a modern dairy farm, learn about Iowa’s dairy farmers, eat a free meal and sample some great, wholesome dairy products during a June Dairy Celebration. The Jones Dairy Farm will host the event near Spencer on Tuesday, June 30, from 5-7 p.m.
“This is the public’s opportunity to visit a dairy farm and observe the efforts of Iowa’s dairy farmers to be environmental stewards while providing consumers with safe and wholesome milk products,” said Kayla Lyon, of the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance (WIDA).
Tours of the dairy farm will be given by local dairy farmers, the Clay County Cattlemen’s will be cooking a free meal for all participants and ice cream will be provided Wells Dairy.
Sponsors of the June dairy celebration include the WIDA, Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State Dairy Association and the Jones Dairy Farm.
The Jones Dairy Farm is located at 2508 270th St., Spencer, IA 51301. Driving directions from Spencer: Head North on Hwy 71; turn right on 300th street; turn left on 250th street; turn right on 270th street.
For more information, contact Kayla Lyon, WIDA, 712-441-0893 or Megan Ritter, CSIF, 515-225-5481.
“This is the public’s opportunity to visit a dairy farm and observe the efforts of Iowa’s dairy farmers to be environmental stewards while providing consumers with safe and wholesome milk products,” said Kayla Lyon, of the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance (WIDA).
Tours of the dairy farm will be given by local dairy farmers, the Clay County Cattlemen’s will be cooking a free meal for all participants and ice cream will be provided Wells Dairy.
Sponsors of the June dairy celebration include the WIDA, Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State Dairy Association and the Jones Dairy Farm.
The Jones Dairy Farm is located at 2508 270th St., Spencer, IA 51301. Driving directions from Spencer: Head North on Hwy 71; turn right on 300th street; turn left on 250th street; turn right on 270th street.
For more information, contact Kayla Lyon, WIDA, 712-441-0893 or Megan Ritter, CSIF, 515-225-5481.
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