A difficult but necessary process — this is how farmers described meeting the requirements of Iowa’s master matrix ahead of constructing new hog barns on their land.

The discussion panel took place during the annual Farming for the Future conference sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) Jan. 16 in Ames.

“The process is important, just isn’t the most fun thing you’ll ever do,” said Schyler Bardole of Bardole Family Farms in Greene County.

Bardole was joined on the...