Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers?
What is the Coalition's mission?
Why was CSIF created?
What makes the CSIF different from Iowa's farm and commodity groups?
How is CSIF funded?
Who came up with the idea for the CSIF?
How long does the Coalition expect to operate?
Are there organizations similar to the Coalition operating in other states?
How does the Coalition provide assistance?
Is there a cost to participate and receive the Coalition's services?
Why now?

What is the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers?

The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers was launched in May 2004 by farmers to assist farmers in responsibly and successfully growing livestock and poultry. The seven member organizations of the Coalition include:

Iowa Cattlemen's Association
Iowa Corn Growers Association 
Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
Iowa Pork Producers Association
 Iowa Soybean Association
Iowa Turkey Federation
Midwest Dairy Association

What is the Coalition's mission?

CSIF’s mission is to advocate and help implement on-farm best-management practices that assist Iowa’s farm families in raising livestock responsibly and successfully. Since our launch, the Coalition has provided a helping hand to more than 1,700 farm families as they work to meet and exceed regulations, identify the best location for their new farms and enhance relations with neighbors.

Why was CSIF created?

Strong farms and prosperous communities go hand-in-hand. Studies show a direct correlation between successful farms and vibrant neighborhoods. According to Iowa State University:

  • One of every 6 Iowans is employed by farming, food processing or the farm input industries (nearly 390,000 people — 17 percent of the state’s workforce)

  • Food production and processing in Iowa generates 27 percent of the state’s total industrial output ($72 billion out of $270 billion)

  • Livestock farming is a significant part of agriculture’s economic contribution. Statewide household income attributed to livestock production is just under $1.1 billion and is responsible for 43,324 jobs

  • In 2007, production agriculture and ag-related industries accounted for $22.8 billion in value-added, or 19 percent of Iowa’s total, for an increase of one percentage point over 2002 estimates

  • 20 percent of Iowa’s counties derive at least one half of their total output from ag and ag-related industries

  • 44 percent of Iowa’s counties derive at least one fourth of their jobs from ag and ag-related industries.

While livestock farming and agriculture are vital to Iowa’s economic and social well-being, farm families face many challenges. The legislative and regulatory environment impacting animal agriculture in Iowa has grown increasingly complicated and costly.

Increasingly complex and ambiguous regulations have created additional challenges for livestock and poultry farmers. As a result farm families often need a helping hand. CSIF is dedicated to providing that assistance.

What makes the CSIF different from Iowa's farm and commodity groups?

A key difference is that the Coalition does not develop policy, lobby or have members. Its sole purpose is to help livestock farmers successfully and responsibly manage changes to their farms, including navigating all rules and regulations, providing a building site analysis and enhancing neighbor relations. To do this, the Coalition provides customized, one-on-one assistance with farm families in a way that is not currently done by existing farm and commodity organizations.

How is CSIF funded?

CSIF receives the majority of its funding from its member 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 to help them grow responsibly. While Iowa's farm and commodity organizations provide a comprehensive assortment of tools, there was a need for a one-stop shop that would provide farmers with individual, specialized assistance in the areas of regulatory compliance, environmental management and neighbor relations.

CSIF is the place that farmers can go to receive the help and support they need to make responsible changes to their enterprises. By receiving good information and timely assistance, they are more likely to remain active and viable on the farm and in their communities, and that's good for Iowa.

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 Iowa farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully.

Are there organizations similar to the Coalition operating in other states?

Yes. CSIF has served as a catalyst for other states livestock coalitions including Nebraska, South Dakota and New York. Many other states have contacted the organization for help in pursuing a similar effort including Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, South Carolina and Wyoming, to name just a few.

How does the Coalition provide assistance?

The Coalition assists many farmers via the phone or web site. However, sometimes requests require greater detail and attention. Farmers interested in benefitting from additional assistance offered by CSIF, including regulatory assistance, siting and neighbor relations, participate in a comprehensive review process. This usually includes on-site consultation in which the farmer is asked to answer questions relevant to their farm so that the Coalition may better assist them with their needs. 

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.

Why now?

Iowans depend on strong farms and vibrant communities; the two go hand-in-hand. Livestock farmers face unique challenges that directly affect their future. 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.