Farmers interested in learning about the benefits of raising cattle under roof are invited to attend an open house at the David Rydberg farm on Thursday, November 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The Rydberg farm is located at 1448 I Ave, Essex, Iowa.  The event is open to the public and a complimentary lunch will be provided.  (Note: If you are unable to attend at this time, David welcomes you to stop by anytime that afternoon.) The event is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF), Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Summit Livestock Facilities and the Page County Cattlemen.

The open house will highlight how modern livestock buildings enhance animal care and safeguard the environment while showcasing the economic development new livestock farms create.  For example, the Rydberg’s open house will feature a new deep-bedded monoslope cattle barn that provides the cattle with shade in the summer and protection from the cold in the winter.

The Rydberg family will offer tours of the new facility, explain how livestock is raised and demonstrate the latest technology used in cattle feeding. Experts from CSIF will also be available to provide insight into interpreting rules and regulations impacting animal agriculture, enhancing relationships with neighbors and choosing good locations for new barns and feedlots. CSIF assistance is available to farm families at no charge.

CSIF is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. This positive, solutions-based approach to helping livestock farmers grow is a collaborative effort involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Midwest Dairy Association.  For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.