The Green Network newsletter - Coalition to Support Iowa`s Farmers

THE GREEN FARMSTEAD PARTNER PROGRAM (GFP) provides information on tree and
shrub plantings for livestock and poultry farms. It brings together research, practical knowledge of farms, and the
experience and expertise of 21 landscapers to ensure farmers get the desired results from their tree plantings. It was
developed by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) as an extension of its efforts to provide resources and
support to farm families who raise livestock and poultry. Today, the program is offered by CSIF with the help of Trees
Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association.
Summer 2015
The Coalition is a non-partisan organization launched in 2004 to help livestock farmers responsibly and successfully
grow their farms. CSIF assists farm families in choosing good sites for new barns and feedlots, following all
rules and regulations, protecting air and water quality and enhancing neighbor and community relations. The
organization does not lobby or develop policy and its services are free. The work of the Coalition is a joint
partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa
Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.
Farmers wanting assistance are encouraged to contact CSIF at 800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.
Special thanks to...
program partners and industry
organizations for supporting the
Green Farmstead Partner program:
The GFP program offers a network of expert landscapers.
For more information on the program and contact
information, visit www.supporfarmers.com/greenfarm.
Participating Nursery and Landscape Professionals
Blue Ribbon Lawn and Landscaping - Brandon Buch - Fairfield
Country Landscapes, Inc. - Ted Lyon - Ames
DeBoer Tree Farm - Kevin DeBoer - Akron
Del’s Garden Center - Bob Fullhart - Spencer
Egli Landscapes - Tim Egli - Wayland
Frazier Nursery - Alex, John and Carolyn Frazier - Vinton
Garden’s Gate - Twylla Baker - Algona
Geode Forestry Inc - Bob Petrzelka - Swedesburg
Green Gables - Ann Grimm - West Bend
Greenworld, Inc. - Larry Ribbens - Sioux Center
Hackert Landscaping - Brent Rolffs - Lynnville
Hughes Nursery & Landscaping - Tom Hughes - Cedar Rapids
Ingrid’s Landscaping - Ingrid and Bruce Quint - Ryan
Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs - Mike Bevins - Woodward
Kelly Tree Farm - Kevin Kelly - Clarence
Matthias Landscaping - Nate Lansing - Waterloo
Natural Plus - Dave Hopper - Clear Lake
Perennial Gardens - Linda Grieve - Ankeny
River Valley Forest Services, Inc. - Brian Gibson - Humboldt
Twin Hill Landscaping - Denny VanGenderen - New Sharon
Vic Scott Landscaping and Nursery - Todd Scott - Ankeny
Plan Designers Only
David Halvorsen - Marshalltown
Godbold Landscape Architecture - Seana Godbold - Spirit Lake
The Green Network
Growing Positive Relationships
with Neighbors
Allison Brown is one of several hog farmers
in Wayne County, located in rural southeast
Iowa. In 2014, Brown built her hog barn.
The site is located on a corner and had
Brown
nothing blocking the wind. When she learned
about the Green Farmstead Partner Program from her
neighbors, her interest in planting trees grew.
Brown planted the trees for many reasons, including
helping improve neighbor relations, acting as a
windbreak, helping control odor and snow, and
improving the overall aesthetics. She planted 113
austrees and 33 Norway spruce trees from Kelly Tree
Farm of Clarence, which is part of the Green Farmstead
Partner program. Kelly’s staff helped with their
extensive experience in windbreaks and landscaping,
and local FFA members helped Brown plant them.
“If it looks nice, why wouldn’t you do this?” Brown
said. “It’s such a small investment for a big return.”
The once four-foot austrees are now almost six to seven
feet tall after just a few months.
“Several people have said the trees and farm look
nice,” she said. She plans to add more on the other side
of her barn.
Brown encourages other farmers considering a tree
planting on a livestock or poultry farm to work with the
Green Farmstead Partner Program to get access to the
network of landscapers across the state to create a tree
planting plan.
To learn more about the Green Farmstead Partner
Program, or to get started on a tree planting for your
farm, visit www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarms or call
800-932-2436.
INSIDE:
•
Interact on the Green Farmstead Partner
Program Blog
•
Back to the Basics: Windbreaks and Tree
Species Selection
•
The Buzz About Pollinator Decline:
Practical, On-Farm Ideas
•
Lucas County Farm Goes Green
Lucas County Farm Goes Green
2
7
Three years ago, Travis Swartz of Lucas County, in rural
southeast Iowa, wanted something to help control odor and
serve as a snow and windbreak for his hog barn.
He learned about the Green Farmstead Partner Program
from Kent Mowrer, field specialist, at the Coalition to
Support Iowa’s Farmers.
From the Editor
He planted 100 austrees and 60 white and blue spruce trees
from Kelly Tree Farm of Clarence, which is part of the
Green Farmstead Partner program. Kelly Tree Farm helped
with species selection, however Swartz said he planted them
on his own. He said he’s received many compliments so far
on his plantings.
At the Coalition, we continually strive for efficiency, timeliness and
providing the best possible services to Iowa livestock farmers.
Earlier this summer, we launched a Green Farmstead Partner program
blog, providing an online resource for farm families interested in
planting trees. The blog is easily searchable and provides access to case
studies and important design considerations. To access the new blog,
visit http://greenfarmstead.blogspot.com!
At the end of the calendar year, the print version of The Green Network
newsletter will be replaced by online content only. On the next page,
you’ll find more information about the blog and ways to stay connected
with the Coalition and the Green Farmstead Partner program.
“When I planted these, they were just sticks,” he said. “The
spruce trees have grown from two to three feet tall already,
but the austrees keep getting picked at by deer.”
Rita Cook
Asst. Field Specialist
He said if he has to do it again, he would pick more mature
trees, such as those already three to four feet tall, to deter
deer. And he’d replant some where the water holds against
the trees, and install irrigation.
In other news, the work of the Green Farmstead Partner program–
helping farmers successfully plant trees on their livestock farms–
continues. To date, over 65,000 trees have been planted through the
program!
The Green Farmstead Partner Program allows poultry and
livestock farmers access to the network of landscapers
across the state. To date, over 65,000 trees have been planted
through the program.
One concern we’ve heard from farmers is that deer damage has
signficantly impacted the success of their trees. To help address that
issue, we are doing trials in south central Iowa with a deer repellant
product. To read more about this project, head over to the blog. We’ll
keep you posted on the results.
To learn more about the Green Farmstead Partner Program,
or to get started on a tree planting for your farm, visit
www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarms or call 800-932-2436.
If you’re still considering moving forward with a tree planting, now is
a great time to start planning. Spring isn’t the only time you can plant
trees. Fall is a great time too!
If there’s anything we can help with, please
reach out to me at [email protected]
or 515-225-5515.
To learn more about the Green Farmstead Partner program visit
www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarms
In 2013, Travis Swartz planted austrees, white
spruce and blue spruce trees at his Lucas County
hog site.
515-225-5515
[email protected]
The trees have grown significantly after only two
growing seasons. Some of the austrees are pushing
10 feet tall. The biggest struggle has been deer
damage to the trees.
Pollinators
Continued from page 6
Making a difference and creating habitat for pollinators can be as simple as incorporating pollinator-friendly trees
and shrubs into your windbreak design
on your livestock farm, or adding a small
area of wildflowers.
For more information about developing a
tree planting for your livestock farm, call
the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
at 800-932-2436 or contact any one of the
nursery professionals participating in the
Green Farmstead Partner program.
By Rita Cook,
Coaltion to Support Iowa’s Farmers
3
6
The “plight of the pollinators” has caused quite a buzz. Although the reasons for the decline are complex and no one
cause is solely at fault, blame is sometimes placed on agriculture.
While monarch butterflies and honey bees are frequently talked about, there are many different types of pollinators,
including bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. In North America alone, there are over 4,000
species of native bees.
Pollinators are an essential resource to agriculture and healthy ecosystems. In fact, it’s estimated they’re responsible
for every third bite of food we eat. Two of the key issues contributing to the decline are the lack of food and shelter
– the most basic necessities any species needs to survive.
“Don’t find fault. Find a remedy.” - Henry Ford
Native plants, wildflowers, shrubs and trees provide both food and shelter for many species of pollinators. Bees and
other pollinators use the nectar and pollen from flowering plants as food. To survive, they need to have access to
food throughout the growing season.
Trees and shrubs provide the first food source for pollinators, and the bark on trees can also provide shelter. Because
trees offer a large number of blossoms in one place, they not only provide a food source, but also help pollinators
forage efficiently. Trees can also support many species of moths and butterflies. For example, oak trees can support
534 different species of caterpillars!
Other trees that are popular among pollinators include willow, birch, cottonwood, crabapple, maple, alder, hickory,
elm, pine, spruce, linden/basswood and the wild plum shrub.
For more ideas of trees and shrubs that are appealing to pollinators, visit http://bit.ly/1fKfhRD. The chart also
indicates what part of the growing season each species blooms.
“Success will never be a big step in the future, success is a small step taken just now.” - Jonatan Mårtensson
This issue is complex and won’t be fixed overnight. It takes everyone – from beekeepers to farmers to urban
residents – to make a difference. However, a farmer doesn’t have to convert acres upon acres to make a difference.
Research from both Iowa State University and the University of Iowa has shown that the size of the planting isn’t
nearly as important as the mix of floral resources available. According to Dr. Steve Hendrix, Biology Professor at
the University of Iowa, with a rich mix of plant species that bloom throughout the growing season, it doesn’t matter
if it’s a small or large area.
Interact on the
Green Farmstead Partner Program Blog
The Green Farmstead Partner (GFP) Program has a new home on the web at http://greenfarmstead.blogspot.com.
This interactive blog is an extension to The Green Network newsletter and will replace the print publication
following the October issue.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers partners with a network of landscapers to provide Iowa’s livestock and
poultry farmers with the information and resources they need to successfully plant windbreaks on their farm sites.
Over 65,000 trees have been planted on Iowa farms through the GFP program since its inception in 2009.
A variety of content and articles are available on the Green Farmstead Partner Program blog. Online visitors can
search the blog to learn about tree topics including design considerations, watering and maintenance tips.
“As floral resources increase, bee richness increases,” Hendrix said at the Quad Cities Pollinator Conference.
The GFP blog also features an entire section of case studies that showcase farm families who have already planted
trees on their livestock farms. These studies provide a farmer-to-farmer perspective of success stories as well as
pitfalls to avoid when planting trees.
Additional tips to design pollinator habitat:
• Plant native flowering species
• Plant a diverse mixture of plants that bloom from May to October (this provides nectar and pollen – the food
bees and other pollinators need throughout the growing season)
Whether you are thinking about adding a windbreak to your farm or improving an existing site, the Green Farmstead
Partner Program blog is a great resource to help you get started with your landscaping project.
• Include a variety of colors, shapes and sizes of flowers (bees have different body sizes and tongue length,
therefore needing many different types of plants)
For content updates and to stay connected with the Green Farmstead Partner Program online, email
[email protected]. The final edition of The Green Network newsletter will be printed in October. All future
GFP content will be available on the blog.
• Plant less grasses and more forbs
• Plant each species in clumps to improve pollinators’ foraging efficiency
Continued on page 7: Pollinators
Article submitted by Haley Banwart, CSIF Communications Intern
Evergreens
4
BACK TO THE BASICS:
5
In contrast to deciduous trees, evergreen foliage persists throughout the year and provides year-long screening.
Evergreens provide snow protection and reduce wind speeds during the winter months. Some examples of
evergreens include fir trees, pine and spruce.
An advantage of the evergreen includes the thick, waxy cuticle layer of the needles which protects from nutrient
leaching by rainfall. Additionally, the longer leaf span of needles compared to broadleaves allows
evergreens to use collected nutrients, such as nitrogen, more efficiently than deciduous plants.
Windbreaks and Tree Species Selection
While deciduous trees control snow more evenly, evergreens tend to drop or dump snow in drifts
due to their greater density. For this reason they should be planted further from livestock barns
in order to prevent snow from drifting on the roof or by the pit fans. Because evergreens are so
dense, they should also be avoided or cautiously planted on the south and east sides of livestock
facilities, especially those that are naturally ventilated.
White Fir
Ornamental Trees
Adding ornamental trees to your farm site is a great way to enhance the beauty of the landscape and improve
neighbor relations. Planted in combination with other deciduous and evergreen plants, ornamental trees can provide
shade, color and variety to the site.
Depending on the tree, ornamentals may be classified as either deciduous or evergreen. These plants may also flower
or bear seeds and berries. It is recommended these trees are planted in outside rows to highlight their visual appeal.
Whether you are planting trees to provide shade, control snow or improve neighbor relations,
a properly designed windbreak can have a tremendous impact. Knowing the characteristics
and benefits of certain tree species will help you get a head start on your windbreak project,
but you don’t have to go it alone.
Through the Green Farmstead Partner Program, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers can
connect you with nursery and landscape professionals who have the expertise to develop a
cost-effective and time-efficient windbreak on your farm.
W
hen it comes to planting windbreaks, tree selection is key to meeting the goals of a successful vegetative buffer.
Depending on the intended purpose of the buffer, a variety of deciduous, evergreen or ornamental trees may be
chosen when designing a windbreak on your farm site.
After assessing the farm and determining a timeline for planting, you may be wondering what trees are most suitable
for your project. Knowing the basic differences in tree species can help you decide what trees will work best on your
farm.
Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are easily identified by their broad, flat leaves which are seasonally shed in the fall. Because
deciduous trees develop large canopies that provide shade in the spring and summer, they can assist in lowering
energy costs.
Common examples of deciduous trees include maple, birch and oak. Another deciduous plant, the hybrid willow or
austree, is often a popular choice for windbreaks because it grows rapidly, sometimes up to 10 feet in a year.
In the winter months, hybrid willows can have a positive impact in controlling snow. Because these trees are
able to slow air flow and decrease wind speeds, an even dusting of snow will occur on the site rather than large
accumulations.
Red Splendor Crab
Article submitted by Haley Banwart, CSIF Communications Intern
MĊĊę HĆđĊĞ BĆēĜĆėę
Haley Banwart is a senior at Iowa State University and serving as the 2015
Communications Intern for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.
Banwart is double-majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. She
is active is many student organizations including the Agricultural Communicators
of Tomorrow Club. The Palo Alto County native grew up on a diversified
livestock and grain farm near West Bend.
To contact Banwart, call 515-225-5526 or email [email protected].
Evergreens
4
BACK TO THE BASICS:
5
In contrast to deciduous trees, evergreen foliage persists throughout the year and provides year-long screening.
Evergreens provide snow protection and reduce wind speeds during the winter months. Some examples of
evergreens include fir trees, pine and spruce.
An advantage of the evergreen includes the thick, waxy cuticle layer of the needles which protects from nutrient
leaching by rainfall. Additionally, the longer leaf span of needles compared to broadleaves allows
evergreens to use collected nutrients, such as nitrogen, more efficiently than deciduous plants.
Windbreaks and Tree Species Selection
While deciduous trees control snow more evenly, evergreens tend to drop or dump snow in drifts
due to their greater density. For this reason they should be planted further from livestock barns
in order to prevent snow from drifting on the roof or by the pit fans. Because evergreens are so
dense, they should also be avoided or cautiously planted on the south and east sides of livestock
facilities, especially those that are naturally ventilated.
White Fir
Ornamental Trees
Adding ornamental trees to your farm site is a great way to enhance the beauty of the landscape and improve
neighbor relations. Planted in combination with other deciduous and evergreen plants, ornamental trees can provide
shade, color and variety to the site.
Depending on the tree, ornamentals may be classified as either deciduous or evergreen. These plants may also flower
or bear seeds and berries. It is recommended these trees are planted in outside rows to highlight their visual appeal.
Whether you are planting trees to provide shade, control snow or improve neighbor relations,
a properly designed windbreak can have a tremendous impact. Knowing the characteristics
and benefits of certain tree species will help you get a head start on your windbreak project,
but you don’t have to go it alone.
Through the Green Farmstead Partner Program, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers can
connect you with nursery and landscape professionals who have the expertise to develop a
cost-effective and time-efficient windbreak on your farm.
W
hen it comes to planting windbreaks, tree selection is key to meeting the goals of a successful vegetative buffer.
Depending on the intended purpose of the buffer, a variety of deciduous, evergreen or ornamental trees may be
chosen when designing a windbreak on your farm site.
After assessing the farm and determining a timeline for planting, you may be wondering what trees are most suitable
for your project. Knowing the basic differences in tree species can help you decide what trees will work best on your
farm.
Deciduous Trees
Deciduous trees are easily identified by their broad, flat leaves which are seasonally shed in the fall. Because
deciduous trees develop large canopies that provide shade in the spring and summer, they can assist in lowering
energy costs.
Common examples of deciduous trees include maple, birch and oak. Another deciduous plant, the hybrid willow or
austree, is often a popular choice for windbreaks because it grows rapidly, sometimes up to 10 feet in a year.
In the winter months, hybrid willows can have a positive impact in controlling snow. Because these trees are
able to slow air flow and decrease wind speeds, an even dusting of snow will occur on the site rather than large
accumulations.
Red Splendor Crab
Article submitted by Haley Banwart, CSIF Communications Intern
MĊĊę HĆđĊĞ BĆēĜĆėę
Haley Banwart is a senior at Iowa State University and serving as the 2015
Communications Intern for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers.
Banwart is double-majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. She
is active is many student organizations including the Agricultural Communicators
of Tomorrow Club. The Palo Alto County native grew up on a diversified
livestock and grain farm near West Bend.
To contact Banwart, call 515-225-5526 or email [email protected].
3
6
The “plight of the pollinators” has caused quite a buzz. Although the reasons for the decline are complex and no one
cause is solely at fault, blame is sometimes placed on agriculture.
While monarch butterflies and honey bees are frequently talked about, there are many different types of pollinators,
including bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, beetles and other insects. In North America alone, there are over 4,000
species of native bees.
Pollinators are an essential resource to agriculture and healthy ecosystems. In fact, it’s estimated they’re responsible
for every third bite of food we eat. Two of the key issues contributing to the decline are the lack of food and shelter
– the most basic necessities any species needs to survive.
“Don’t find fault. Find a remedy.” - Henry Ford
Native plants, wildflowers, shrubs and trees provide both food and shelter for many species of pollinators. Bees and
other pollinators use the nectar and pollen from flowering plants as food. To survive, they need to have access to
food throughout the growing season.
Trees and shrubs provide the first food source for pollinators, and the bark on trees can also provide shelter. Because
trees offer a large number of blossoms in one place, they not only provide a food source, but also help pollinators
forage efficiently. Trees can also support many species of moths and butterflies. For example, oak trees can support
534 different species of caterpillars!
Other trees that are popular among pollinators include willow, birch, cottonwood, crabapple, maple, alder, hickory,
elm, pine, spruce, linden/basswood and the wild plum shrub.
For more ideas of trees and shrubs that are appealing to pollinators, visit http://bit.ly/1fKfhRD. The chart also
indicates what part of the growing season each species blooms.
“Success will never be a big step in the future, success is a small step taken just now.” - Jonatan Mårtensson
This issue is complex and won’t be fixed overnight. It takes everyone – from beekeepers to farmers to urban
residents – to make a difference. However, a farmer doesn’t have to convert acres upon acres to make a difference.
Research from both Iowa State University and the University of Iowa has shown that the size of the planting isn’t
nearly as important as the mix of floral resources available. According to Dr. Steve Hendrix, Biology Professor at
the University of Iowa, with a rich mix of plant species that bloom throughout the growing season, it doesn’t matter
if it’s a small or large area.
Interact on the
Green Farmstead Partner Program Blog
The Green Farmstead Partner (GFP) Program has a new home on the web at http://greenfarmstead.blogspot.com.
This interactive blog is an extension to The Green Network newsletter and will replace the print publication
following the October issue.
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers partners with a network of landscapers to provide Iowa’s livestock and
poultry farmers with the information and resources they need to successfully plant windbreaks on their farm sites.
Over 65,000 trees have been planted on Iowa farms through the GFP program since its inception in 2009.
A variety of content and articles are available on the Green Farmstead Partner Program blog. Online visitors can
search the blog to learn about tree topics including design considerations, watering and maintenance tips.
“As floral resources increase, bee richness increases,” Hendrix said at the Quad Cities Pollinator Conference.
The GFP blog also features an entire section of case studies that showcase farm families who have already planted
trees on their livestock farms. These studies provide a farmer-to-farmer perspective of success stories as well as
pitfalls to avoid when planting trees.
Additional tips to design pollinator habitat:
• Plant native flowering species
• Plant a diverse mixture of plants that bloom from May to October (this provides nectar and pollen – the food
bees and other pollinators need throughout the growing season)
Whether you are thinking about adding a windbreak to your farm or improving an existing site, the Green Farmstead
Partner Program blog is a great resource to help you get started with your landscaping project.
• Include a variety of colors, shapes and sizes of flowers (bees have different body sizes and tongue length,
therefore needing many different types of plants)
For content updates and to stay connected with the Green Farmstead Partner Program online, email
[email protected]. The final edition of The Green Network newsletter will be printed in October. All future
GFP content will be available on the blog.
• Plant less grasses and more forbs
• Plant each species in clumps to improve pollinators’ foraging efficiency
Continued on page 7: Pollinators
Article submitted by Haley Banwart, CSIF Communications Intern
Lucas County Farm Goes Green
2
7
Three years ago, Travis Swartz of Lucas County, in rural
southeast Iowa, wanted something to help control odor and
serve as a snow and windbreak for his hog barn.
He learned about the Green Farmstead Partner Program
from Kent Mowrer, field specialist, at the Coalition to
Support Iowa’s Farmers.
From the Editor
He planted 100 austrees and 60 white and blue spruce trees
from Kelly Tree Farm of Clarence, which is part of the
Green Farmstead Partner program. Kelly Tree Farm helped
with species selection, however Swartz said he planted them
on his own. He said he’s received many compliments so far
on his plantings.
At the Coalition, we continually strive for efficiency, timeliness and
providing the best possible services to Iowa livestock farmers.
Earlier this summer, we launched a Green Farmstead Partner program
blog, providing an online resource for farm families interested in
planting trees. The blog is easily searchable and provides access to case
studies and important design considerations. To access the new blog,
visit http://greenfarmstead.blogspot.com!
At the end of the calendar year, the print version of The Green Network
newsletter will be replaced by online content only. On the next page,
you’ll find more information about the blog and ways to stay connected
with the Coalition and the Green Farmstead Partner program.
“When I planted these, they were just sticks,” he said. “The
spruce trees have grown from two to three feet tall already,
but the austrees keep getting picked at by deer.”
Rita Cook
Asst. Field Specialist
He said if he has to do it again, he would pick more mature
trees, such as those already three to four feet tall, to deter
deer. And he’d replant some where the water holds against
the trees, and install irrigation.
In other news, the work of the Green Farmstead Partner program–
helping farmers successfully plant trees on their livestock farms–
continues. To date, over 65,000 trees have been planted through the
program!
The Green Farmstead Partner Program allows poultry and
livestock farmers access to the network of landscapers
across the state. To date, over 65,000 trees have been planted
through the program.
One concern we’ve heard from farmers is that deer damage has
signficantly impacted the success of their trees. To help address that
issue, we are doing trials in south central Iowa with a deer repellant
product. To read more about this project, head over to the blog. We’ll
keep you posted on the results.
To learn more about the Green Farmstead Partner Program,
or to get started on a tree planting for your farm, visit
www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarms or call 800-932-2436.
If you’re still considering moving forward with a tree planting, now is
a great time to start planning. Spring isn’t the only time you can plant
trees. Fall is a great time too!
If there’s anything we can help with, please
reach out to me at [email protected]
or 515-225-5515.
To learn more about the Green Farmstead Partner program visit
www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarms
In 2013, Travis Swartz planted austrees, white
spruce and blue spruce trees at his Lucas County
hog site.
515-225-5515
[email protected]
The trees have grown significantly after only two
growing seasons. Some of the austrees are pushing
10 feet tall. The biggest struggle has been deer
damage to the trees.
Pollinators
Continued from page 6
Making a difference and creating habitat for pollinators can be as simple as incorporating pollinator-friendly trees
and shrubs into your windbreak design
on your livestock farm, or adding a small
area of wildflowers.
For more information about developing a
tree planting for your livestock farm, call
the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
at 800-932-2436 or contact any one of the
nursery professionals participating in the
Green Farmstead Partner program.
By Rita Cook,
Coaltion to Support Iowa’s Farmers
THE GREEN FARMSTEAD PARTNER PROGRAM (GFP) provides information on tree and
shrub plantings for livestock and poultry farms. It brings together research, practical knowledge of farms, and the
experience and expertise of 21 landscapers to ensure farmers get the desired results from their tree plantings. It was
developed by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) as an extension of its efforts to provide resources and
support to farm families who raise livestock and poultry. Today, the program is offered by CSIF with the help of Trees
Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association.
Summer 2015
The Coalition is a non-partisan organization launched in 2004 to help livestock farmers responsibly and successfully
grow their farms. CSIF assists farm families in choosing good sites for new barns and feedlots, following all
rules and regulations, protecting air and water quality and enhancing neighbor and community relations. The
organization does not lobby or develop policy and its services are free. The work of the Coalition is a joint
partnership involving the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa
Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.
Farmers wanting assistance are encouraged to contact CSIF at 800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.
Special thanks to...
program partners and industry
organizations for supporting the
Green Farmstead Partner program:
The GFP program offers a network of expert landscapers.
For more information on the program and contact
information, visit www.supporfarmers.com/greenfarm.
Participating Nursery and Landscape Professionals
Blue Ribbon Lawn and Landscaping - Brandon Buch - Fairfield
Country Landscapes, Inc. - Ted Lyon - Ames
DeBoer Tree Farm - Kevin DeBoer - Akron
Del’s Garden Center - Bob Fullhart - Spencer
Egli Landscapes - Tim Egli - Wayland
Frazier Nursery - Alex, John and Carolyn Frazier - Vinton
Garden’s Gate - Twylla Baker - Algona
Geode Forestry Inc - Bob Petrzelka - Swedesburg
Green Gables - Ann Grimm - West Bend
Greenworld, Inc. - Larry Ribbens - Sioux Center
Hackert Landscaping - Brent Rolffs - Lynnville
Hughes Nursery & Landscaping - Tom Hughes - Cedar Rapids
Ingrid’s Landscaping - Ingrid and Bruce Quint - Ryan
Iowa Native Trees and Shrubs - Mike Bevins - Woodward
Kelly Tree Farm - Kevin Kelly - Clarence
Matthias Landscaping - Nate Lansing - Waterloo
Natural Plus - Dave Hopper - Clear Lake
Perennial Gardens - Linda Grieve - Ankeny
River Valley Forest Services, Inc. - Brian Gibson - Humboldt
Twin Hill Landscaping - Denny VanGenderen - New Sharon
Vic Scott Landscaping and Nursery - Todd Scott - Ankeny
Plan Designers Only
David Halvorsen - Marshalltown
Godbold Landscape Architecture - Seana Godbold - Spirit Lake
The Green Network
Growing Positive Relationships
with Neighbors
Allison Brown is one of several hog farmers
in Wayne County, located in rural southeast
Iowa. In 2014, Brown built her hog barn.
The site is located on a corner and had
Brown
nothing blocking the wind. When she learned
about the Green Farmstead Partner Program from her
neighbors, her interest in planting trees grew.
Brown planted the trees for many reasons, including
helping improve neighbor relations, acting as a
windbreak, helping control odor and snow, and
improving the overall aesthetics. She planted 113
austrees and 33 Norway spruce trees from Kelly Tree
Farm of Clarence, which is part of the Green Farmstead
Partner program. Kelly’s staff helped with their
extensive experience in windbreaks and landscaping,
and local FFA members helped Brown plant them.
“If it looks nice, why wouldn’t you do this?” Brown
said. “It’s such a small investment for a big return.”
The once four-foot austrees are now almost six to seven
feet tall after just a few months.
“Several people have said the trees and farm look
nice,” she said. She plans to add more on the other side
of her barn.
Brown encourages other farmers considering a tree
planting on a livestock or poultry farm to work with the
Green Farmstead Partner Program to get access to the
network of landscapers across the state to create a tree
planting plan.
To learn more about the Green Farmstead Partner
Program, or to get started on a tree planting for your
farm, visit www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarms or call
800-932-2436.
INSIDE:
•
Interact on the Green Farmstead Partner
Program Blog
•
Back to the Basics: Windbreaks and Tree
Species Selection
•
The Buzz About Pollinator Decline:
Practical, On-Farm Ideas
•
Lucas County Farm Goes Green