Dairy Foundation Conducting Poll

The Northeast Iowa Community-Based Dairy Foundation will soon be polling Iowa dairy producers. The 2005 Iowa Dairy Farm Poll is a questionnaire designed to gather information about the experiences and perspectives of Iowa's dairy farm families. Its objective is to determine what value added activities would be effective in maintaining and growing Iowa's share of the National milk supply through existing dairy producers.

The Poll will be mailed to 1,200 dairy producers in early March with instructions for completion. Polls returned to the Dairy Foundation will be tabulated by April 10. Content for the Poll was developed with the assistance of Robert Tigner, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist, Ron Orth, Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, and Wayne Goedken, Dairynet 2000. This Poll is a follow up to a similar survey completed five years ago and mailed to a smaller sample of dairy producers.

According to Tigner, "The Poll's purpose is to provide Iowa's dairy farmers with a chance to give their opinions on important topics they are facing. It will also provide a snapshot of the state of Iowa's Dairy Industry."

Adds Nick Rolling, Foundation President, "The information gathered in this Poll will impact Foundation educational and support programs and will be important to milk handlers and processors in developing their business plans."

Funding for the Poll is possible due to a grant award from the Iowa Department of Economic Development. This Value Added Agricultural Products Grant for $14,000 will help cover costs for creating, printing, mailing and interpreting the Poll results.