The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) was one of four ag innovators to earn a 2017 Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Leader Award, which were presented last week by Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey. CSIF, established by Iowa’s leading ag groups, is dedicated to helping livestock farmers successfully and responsibly manage change on their farms. The coalition helps farmers navigate regulations, determine sites for livestock barns, protect the environment and enhance neighbor relations. "Their pre-emptive approach of helping farmers start raising livestock or grow their existing farm has proven to be successful, and in many cases, essential to reaching the farm family’s goals," Northey said.

Other awards went to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy Science Team, the Sehgal Foundation and Sukup Manufacturing.