Families, neighbors and community members are invited to tour a new hog barn and visit with members of the Souder family of Rudd, Iowa to learn more about how they raise livestock, use technology to care for the animals and safeguard the environment. The event will take place Dec. 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the family's farm in Floyd County in northeast Iowa. The event is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers.

NUMBER ONE: Iowa has over 6,000 hog farms in operation and the pork industry makes a significant impact on the state's economy. Iowa is the largest pork producing state in the nation raising over 30 million hogs each year, nearly one third of the nation's hogs. The industry creates over 60,000 jobs and accumulates 4.1 billion dollars in economic growth.

This family's farming history goes back six generations
A complimentary lunch will be provided at the open house located at 1439 Kirkwood Avenue in Rudd, Iowa. The family also invites guests to bring a non-perishable item or make a donation to Messiah's Food Pantry to address food insecurity in Floyd County.

"This farm has been in our family since my parents purchased it in 1943," says Chuck Souder. "Our family's farming history goes back at least six generations and we're proud to keep the tradition going. Contributing to our community has always been important to us and I'm especially excited to share some of the new efficiencies this hog barn will employ to provide more safeguards for the environment. This barn will also save energy by using the 47 KW solar array on the roof and dimmable LED lighting inside the building."

CSIF staff provides insight and updates on rules, regulations
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.

The open house is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers (CSIF), Schulz Farm Enterprises LLC, Floyd County Farm Bureau, Viafield, Artisun Solar, Pro-Build, ONCE Innovations, Popp Excavating, Three Rivers Consulting, First Security Bank & Trust, Johnson Oil & LP and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

Livestock farms have positive impact on Iowa's local economy
"Iowa livestock farmers are community-minded and take great pride in their work and commitment to the well-being of their animals and the environment," says Brian Waddingham, CSIF executive director. "It's also no secret that livestock production has a positive impact on the local economy. The construction and day-to-day operation of a 2,490 head hog barn like the Souder's will create jobs and provide more than $2,100,000 in economic impact to Floyd County on a yearly basis."

CSIF is a non-profit, non-lobbying organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on identifying 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 the CSIF website.