Growing Corn for the Livestock Industry
Livestock is one of the top consumers of Iowa corn and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and the two industries thrive on the success of each other. This win-win relationship equates to a strong agricultural economy in our state, resulting in Iowa jobs and corn farmer and livestock producer profitability.
Building demand for corn-fed protein
The biggest way Iowa Corn supports Iowa’s livestock industry is by building global demand for products from our state, including high-quality protein. See how we’re growing that demand.
DDGS
DDGS are a co-product of the ethanol production process and a great, low-cost alternative feed ingredient produced by the dry-grind ethanol industry. They are rich in protein, fat, minerals and vitamins that animals need.
When DDGS are added to properly formulated animal feeds, they benefit animal health, performance and food quality. These attributes and others have made DDGS one of the most popular feed ingredients to use in livestock and poultry feeds both in Iowa and around the world.
DDGS Feeding Handbook
Looking for information on how to use DDGS? The U.S. Grains Council has developed an all-inclusive guide. Learn how to incorporate it into rations, import the product and understand the nutritional values.
Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers
The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a partnership involving the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy Association.
CSIF has assisted more than 4,800 Iowa farm families to:
- Follow all rules and regulations – there are hundreds of type-written, single-spaced pages applicable to most families who raise livestock.
- Choose good locations for new livestock farms that consider the proximity of neighboring residences, towns, roads, parks, churches and other public use areas as well as topography and prevailing wind directions.
- Enhance relationships with neighbors by fostering better and more timely communication about the construction of new livestock farms, participating in community discussions and networking with members of the media to discuss intentions about moving forward on new livestock farms.
- Safeguard air, soil and water quality by planting trees around new and existing farms.
CSIF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization assisting farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy.