What is the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF)?
The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF) was launched in May 2004. It provides farm families with individual and specific help in understanding, implementing and following rules and regulations covering animal agriculture. CSIF's mission is to help grow communities one farmer – and one neighbor – at a time.

Six Iowa farm and commodity organizations created this strategic effort. They include:

Iowa Cattlemen's Association
Iowa Corn Growers Association
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
Iowa Pork Producers Association
Iowa Poultry Association
Iowa Soybean Association.

What is the coalition's purpose?
To assist farmers in making responsible changes to their farms to remain economically viable and to help welcome the next generation of farm families to the land. And second, to offer Iowans a truthful representation of farm life and the connection between it and Iowa's economic and social well-being.

Why has it been created?
Iowa's livestock farmers face many challenges. The legislative and regulatory environment impacting animal agriculture in Iowa has grown increasingly complicated. Shrinking margins, fierce competition and more demands from consumers have created additional challenges. Combined, they have formed a business model requiring farm families make changes in their enterprises to maintain a traditional standard of living. Many times, they need a helping hand to navigate these complex issues. CISF is dedicated to providing that assistance.

To date, the Coalition has helped more than 330 farm families meet and exceed regulations, implement efforts to enhance air and water quality, communicate their intentions with neighbors and identify appropriate locations for new livestock barns.

What makes the CSIF different from Iowa's farm and commodity groups?
Farmers have asked for individualized, farm-specific assistance as they work to navigate changing business and regulatory issues related to animal agriculture. CSIF provides tools and resources – including one-on-one help to assist farmers in this process in a direct, timely and personal way that currently is not done by existing farm and commodity organizations.

In addition, many, if not all, Iowa farm and commodity organizations serve the needs of a large number of farmers via a grassroots policy development process. CSIF does not have a policy development process.

How is the CSIF structured?
The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers has applied for status as a 501 (c) (6) corporation. CSIF is led by a six-member board of directors. The board includes Joel Brinkmeyer, Iowa Cattlemen's Association; Craig Floss, Iowa Corn Growers Association; Jerry Downin, Iowa Farm Bureau; Kevin Vinchattle, Iowa Poultry Association; Rich Degner, Iowa Pork Producers Association; and Kirk Leeds, Iowa Soybean Association.

The coalition has three officers: President Kirk Leeds; Vice President Joel Brinkmeyer; and Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Downin.

The CSIF's day-to-day efforts are directed by a three-person staff: Aaron Putze serves as Executive Director & Public Relations Officer; Rex Hoppes serves as Organization Director, working directly with farmers in the field.

How is CSIF funded?
CSIF receives the majority of its funding from its six founding organizations. Allied partners, county farm organizations and individual farm families also invest in the Coalition’s efforts.

Who came up with the idea for the CSIF?
Farmers expressed a need for specific resources and support. While Iowa's farm and commodity organizations provide a comprehensive assortment of tools, there was a need for a new, one-stop shop. CSIF is the place that farmers can go to receive the help and support they need to make changes to their operations. By receiving good information and timely assistance, they are more likely to remain active and viable on the farm and in their communities. That's good for Iowa.

What are the CSIF's primary functions?
The CSIF has four primary functions: to educate farmers about the rules and regulations impacting animal agriculture; empower them to educate consumers about the importance of food production; communicate the connection between farm life and Iowa's economic and social well being; and engage those that do not tell the truth about animal agriculture and food production.

How long does the coalition expect to operate?
The coalition will exist as long as there is a need and as long as it's effective in helping grow Iowa's communities…one farmer at a time.

Are similar coalitions operating in other states?
Yes. CSIF has served as a catalyst for other states including Nebraska, Minnesota and South Dakota. Many other states have contacted the organization for help in pursuing a similar effort including New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Michigan to name just a few.

What farmers will be represented?
Farmers interested in benefiting from support services offered by CSIF will complete a comprehensive application process. This will include an on-site consultation in which the farmer will be asked to answer questions relevant to their farm. The CSIF board of directors will review applicants and determine if the farmer is eligible for coalition services. If a farmer family is selected, they will follow all applicable state rules and regulations and engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance consumer understanding of food production and neighbor relations.

Is there a cost to participate and receive the coalition's services?
No. Farmers are invited to participate and benefit from CSIF's basic services at no charge. It is expected that at some point farmers will be asked to help offset some of the costs of services as the CSIF becomes a trusted and long-term partner for the farm community.

Why now?
Iowa's economy depends on farms that flourish and vibrant rural communities. The two go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, the past few years have not been kind to Iowa farmers, especially those that raise livestock. Some farmers – long-time independent operators who have farmed for many, many years and with no violations – have been targeted and harassed to the point that they have left the business, which has a negative impact on Iowa's rural economies.

Livestock farmers feel overwhelmed, unsure and even a little lost, too. It's important that they have the support, knowledge and assurances they need so they and their families can remain viable members of their community.

What are people saying about CSIF?

“The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers may be the smartest, most effective program Iowa commodity producer groups have ever accomplished for Iowa agriculture.”
David Kruse, President, CommStock Investments, Inc.
The CommStock Report, Nov. 14, 2005

“Work conducted by the Coalition on behalf of Iowa and Iowa farmers is priceless and it’s helping keep families on the land and viable in their communities. With the increasingly complex and costly regulations covering animal agriculture, farmers can use some assistance and the Coalition’s providing it directly to the families that need it most.”
David Deyoe, a corn, soybean and hog farmer from Nevada (Story County)

“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