Despite downturns in the cattle and hog markets, many farmers are still calling the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) for advice on siting new barns, says Brian Waddingham, CSIF’s executive director.

Since June, the Coalition staff has responded to more than 350 phone calls; they've also visited more than 100 farms.

"The theme is diversification," Wadding­ham said. "Farmers are looking for ways to diversify and spread their risk."

Hog farmers have called about siting new...