WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Otto’s Oasis of Charles City has been designated a participating landscape professional in the Green Farmstead Partner program.
The on-farm environmental initiative promotes the planning and installation of tree plantings on livestock and poultry farms. It’s a collaborative effort involving the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Trees Forever and the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA).
The Green Farmstead Partner program provides information and resources to farmers wanting to plant trees and shrubs around new and existing cattle feedlots, hog barns and poultry buildings.
There are many benefits associated with planting trees on livestock farms, such as enhancing relationships with neighbors, improving aesthetics, controlling snow, and much more. Additionally, Iowa State University research shows that properly designed tree and shrub plantings can reduce odor by 10-15 percent.
“I decided to join the program because I want to help people plant trees correctly and enhance the environment,” says Jeff Otto, owner of Otto’s Oasis. “I’m excited to be a part of the Green Farmstead Partner program and work with farmers in northeast Iowa.”
Farmers interested in participating in the Green Farmstead Partner program can get started by calling Otto at 641-228-6193 or visiting www.ottosoasis.com or contacting the coalition at 1-800-932-2436 or logging on to www.supportfarmers.com/greenfarm.
The Green Farmstead Partner program is supported by Alliant Energy, Farm Credit Services of America and Iowa Farmer Today.
CSIF is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on 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 Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and the Midwest Dairy Association. For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.
— Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
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