A conference offering farmers timely insight into state and federal regulations affecting livestock and poultry production will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 24, at the Best Western Starlite Village in Fort Dodge.

“Doing Things Right: Farming for the Future,” sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, will assemble numerous environmental and regulatory experts to converse with attendees about regulations and manure and nutrient management issues.

The day will include lunch and transportation to the A.J. and Kellie Blair cattle and hog farm near Dayton. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the family’s new monoslope cattle feedlot.

While at the farm, regulatory experts and technical service providers will answer questions related to specific farm situations and areas of need.

“Livestock regulations are complex, sometimes ambiguous and change fast,” said Megan Ritter, CSIF senior field coordinator .”For Iowa’s livestock farms to prosper, farmers must know and understand state and federal regulations and resources available to help them remain viable on the land for generations to come.”

The conference begins with a keynote address by Dr. Steve Sapp, Iowa State University professor of sociology. He will discuss the results of a comprehensive study completed earlier this summer highlighting the value of animal agriculture to the economic and social vitality of towns located in all of Iowa’s 99 counties.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency representatives have been invited to participate in a morning discussion focusing on recent enforcement efforts pertaining to the Clean Water Act.

More importantly, panelists will offer farmers real-time examples of compliance efforts applicable to their individual operations.

At noon, conference attendees will travel to the Blair farm and receive a market outlook from Iowa State University livestock economist Shane Ellis.

The Blairs, CSIF staff and manure management professionals will take attendees on a walking tour of the farm.

The day will conclude with an “Ask the Expert” panel discussion addressing regulatory compliance questions.

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited. To register, contact CSIF at (515) 225-5515 or e-mail Rita Cook at rcook@supportfarmers.com.

For more information, driving directions and agenda featuring a complete list of speakers and experts, go to www.supportfarmers.com.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully.

It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.

The nonprofit, non-partisan organization provides assistance to farmers at no cost.

CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families needing a helping hand may contact the Coalition at (800) 932-2436.