Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Cooperative

“The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation WFBF has 2 classes of members County Farm Bureaus Voting members and Associate Members. County Farm Bureaus must be organized as a cooperative under Chapter 185 of Wisconsin Statutes and whose purpose is to affiliate with the WFBF as a Federated Association. Voting members are persons, partnerships, unincorporated associations and corporations organized for agricultural purposes, actively engaged in the business of agriculture production or related services. Voting members have the right to vote and serve as voting delegates or directors. Associate members are persons, partnerships, unincorporated associations and corporations interested in the philosophy and objectives of the WFBF but without the right to vote or to serve as a delegate or director.”

“The WFBF is ultimately governed by the voting delegates. The 251 voting delegates are chosen by ballot from the associations voting members at the County Farm Bueaus annual meeting and are elected for a 1 year term. The voting delegates decide the policy of the organization, approve the financial statements, and elect the governing bodys directors. The association has 11 directors of which 5 are elected each year by the associations voting delegates. The voting delegates also need to approve any dissolution of the association.”

“Form 990 is provided in advance to each member of the Board of Directors and reviewed at a regular meeting prior to filing. Prior to this meeting the audited financial statements have been reviewed by the Board of Directors during an executive session with the external auditors.”

“Officers, Directors and key employees are required to complete the Conflict of Interest Questionnaire annually at the end of the organizations fiscal year. Completed questionnaires are reviewed by outside legal counsel who then renders a report back to the Board of Directors reporting any conflicts and overall compliance with the Conflict of Interest policy.”

“The salary range for the officers and key employees is set by using data of other non-profit organizations in the area and other salary data obtained from similar organizations. The salary range for each position on the job classification schedule is approved by the Board of Directors and each employees position on the schedule is determined by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors sets the salary of the President and Chief Administrative Officer during an executive session which excludes these officers and actions are reflected in the minutes of this meeting and forwarded onto the Human Resources Director to implement any salary change. Changes in salary are not automatic and any change is dependent upon reaching performance standards as set by the board in the previous year. The salary for other key employees is determined by the CAO using the salary range and job classification schedule. Changes in salary are not automatic and any change is dependent upon reaching goals and performance standards as set forth in prior year performance evaluation.”

“Governing documents and conflict of interest policy are available upon request. Financial statements are distributed and reviewed at the Wisconsin Farm Bureaus annual meeting each year. The meeting is attended by over 800 members. Copies of audited financial statements are also available to the public upon request.”

“Program Service Expenses 0, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Membership Relations - The Membership Relations Division prepares and develops agricultural leaders. This is accomplished through education and leadership skill development programs for current local ag leaders, state and local committees, and members. The division regional representatives are a key resource in bringing the field perspective to the organization. Regional representatives regularly and actively engage with county Farm Bureaus, local agricultural leaders, farmers and members. The regional representatives interaction is how Farm Bureaus grassroots process provides every Farm Bureau member an opportunity to participate and voice their concerns regarding issues pertinent to the agricultural industry.”

“Program Service Expenses 0, Grants and allocations 0, Revenue 0 Ag in the Classroom program provides teachers and K-12 students with an understanding of how their food is produced. The program seeks to work within existing curricula to provide basic information on our nations largest industry agriculture. Ag in the Classroom offers a wide variety of educational resources, activities and support for teachers, schools, home school parents and volunteers working with agricultural literacy. AITC provides resources for PreK through high school grade levels.”

“Recommendations are made to members and are voted on at the county annual meeting. A 14 member State Policy Development Committee is appointed with representation from all areas of the state. This committee meets to gather information on a wide range of issues, review all of the county recommendations, and produces a slate of proposed additions, changes, and deletions to the delegates of the WFBF Annual Meeting. Final policy decisions are made by the voting delegates from each County Farm Bureau at the WFBF Annual Meeting. The Public Affairs Division is also responsible for general communications with members regarding Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation WFBF policies, programs and issues of importance in the agricultural industry through the publication of our statewide publication Farm Bureaus Rural Route which is published six times a year, and County Farm Bureau newsletters which are published three times a year. Nine times a year, members receive firsthand original and essential information about current agricultural news, state and national legislative and regulatory issues.”

“WFBF produces Ag Newswire twice a week for Wisconsin newspapers, television and radio stations and Farm Bureau members. This provides the latest breaking agricultural news and insight on how issues may impact Wisconsin farmers.”