CONTACT:
Vic & Cindy Madsen, 712-563-3044, vcmadsen@metc.net
Todd Kimm, PFI communications specialist, 515-232-5661 ext. 108; todd@practicalfarmers.org
Rick Exner, PFI farming systems coordinator, 515-294-5486; dnexner@iastate.edu
Caroline van Schaik, Land Stewardship Project, 507-523-3366; caroline@landstewardshipproject.org

8/29/05
AUDUBON. Iowa—Learn more about the Conservation Security Program (CSP) and its many benefits Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Vic and Cindy Madsen farm near Audubon. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2186 Goldfinch Ave. The field day should be of interest to farmers considering CSP sign-up and non-farmers who want to learn more about conservation practices on the farm. This event is free and open to the public.

Last year, the Madsens were among the first to enroll in the CSP, a program that rewards farmers for their conservation practices by funding enhancements to existing practices and the establishment of new ones. Nearly 2,000 Iowa farmers in seven selected watersheds have been approved for 2005 CSP contracts, accounting for more than $13 million in payments.

The Madsens operate a crop and livestock farm of about 300 acres, employing conservation measures that include permanent pasture, native plantings, delayed haying, and rotation of row crops with small grains and forages. The family grows certified organic corn and soybeans and raises hogs (marketed through Niman Ranch), sheep and broiler chickens.

The field day will include a firsthand account of the Madsens’ experience with enrolling in and functioning under the CSP, a detailed look at the farm’s conservation practices, presentations on the multiple benefits of conservation, and a meal of local foods. In addition, mini-sessions will be offered on broiler chickens, straw-based pork and direct marketing of food.

The field day program:

• 2-3 p.m.—CSP overview—Madsens’ experience; PFI farmer survey (with Traci Bruckner, Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group); the CSP last year and today (local NRCS).
• 3-5 p.m.— Field tour—What the Madsens are doing for their CSP dollars, with supporting presentations including: wildlife enhancements (NRCS); benefits of certification and financial help for certification and transitioning to organic (with Ray Kirsch, Food Alliance Midwest); (multiple benefits research with Caroline van Schaik, Land Stewardship Project); how another watershed is getting ready (with Linda Dahl, Whitewater Watershed Project coordinator); native prairie grasses; soil loss factors; crop rotations; nitrogen use.
• 5-5:30 p.m.— The future of stewardship payments and how can I sign up?
• 5-6:30 p.m.— Light meal of local foods.
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.— Mini sessions—Broiler chickens, straw-based pork, direct marketing food.

Directions: From the Audubon Co-op, go past the hospital one mile south and two miles west. Turn south on N-16 and go three-fourths of a mile. Farm is on the east side of the road.

This event is sponsored by Practical Farmers of Iowa and co-sponsored by the Land Stewardship Project, USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) through Food Alliance, Center for Rural Affairs and the Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Working Group (MSAWG).

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