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The derecho that tore across a wide area of Iowa from west to east on Aug. 10 caused major property damage with its hurricane-force winds. The windstorm left its mark on cities, rural towns and farms as it moved through central and eastern Iowa into Illinois.
The severe windstorm damaged livestock buildings, grain bins, barns, machine sheds, homes and trees. The Coalition to Support Iowa’s farmers is assisting livestock farmers who suffered tremendous losses from the storm. Farmers have been concentrating on cleaning up damaged or destroyed buildings, bins, homes and trees.
Livestock producers who need help and advice about assessing damage to windbreaks around livestock barns and feedlots can contact CSIF. “Through our Green Farmstead Partner program, we can provide free planning and design assistance to help you replace trees and windbreaks that were damaged around cattle feedlots, hog barns and poultry buildings,” says Brian Waddingham, executive director of CSIF.
Options for your farm
The Green Farmstead Partner program was created in 2009 to bridge the gap between farm families who want to plant trees and the nursery professionals who have expertise in tree plantings on farms and in rural areas. The program is offered by CSIF with the help of Trees Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association. The program provides information on tree and shrub plantings for livestock farms and offers the expertise of 28 nursery professionals around the state.
To help you get a better understanding of options that may work on your farm, including cost-share opportunities, view the following links on:
- windbreak renovation
- establishment, care and maintenance of farmstead windbreaks
- EQIP cost-share programs
- Trees Forever guide for homeowners
“CSIF is here to help you discuss the options available and can serve as a starting point for you to learn about the programs that might work for your farm,” Waddingham says. “We will be happy to come to your farm, at no charge, for a personal consultation.”
Reach CSIF at 800-932-2436 or email bwaddingham@supportfarmers.com. “We will continue to work on options for assistance as you clear, clean and rebuild on your livestock farm,” he adds.
