Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

“Part III, Line 4a - Policy Development - During the year, members are asked to surface ideas important to them, their business, and/or their rural community. They are also asked to complete a survey, sharing feedback on the topics that were submitted. These ideas are considered for future organizational policy. A committee reviews the information that is submitted, and all Farm Bureau members are invited to join in on the process further by discussing the topics and information with the committee at the Policy Development Meeting. The Voting Delegate representing the organization shares the policies and topics put together by their county at the statewide policy development conference. State-adopted policies are lobbied for with intent to be implemented as soon as possible. Nationally adopted policies are presented at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting by the Iowa Voting Delegates. Members meet with county personnel (Supervisors, Engineer, etc.) throughout the year to stay abreast of the issues the county is facing and encourage the elected officials to keep agriculture top of mind when they are making decisions affecting our rural community.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Ag in the Classroom - The County Farm Bureau has an employee that focuses a percentage of time on Ag in the Classroom programming and opportunities for the residents in Audubon County. Audubon County Farm Bureau keeps in communication with educators, FFA Advisors and schools, promoting resources and grant opportunities available to incorporate agriculture in their classrooms. The County Farm Bureau hosts an agriculture-focused day for all 4th graders. The County Farm Bureau provided hands-on STEM resources to both elementary schools in the county throughout the year. The county provides scholarships for graduating seniors and supports the 4-H, FFA, and other youth programs in the county.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Agriculture Promotions - Promoting agriculture is an important part of our mission. For example, the County Farm Bureau participates in the summer parades, handing out water bottles with water quality facts. They make monetary donations to the food pantries in the county. We celebrate National Ag Week during the month of March by hosting agriculture-themed radio ads on the local radio station. The County Farm Bureau hosts a free tailgate event before the county schools football game. We are involved in the Audubon County Fair, hosting a luncheon for all exhibitors and the pedal tractor pulls. Audubon County Farm Bureau supports financially, many events, educational programs, and opportunities throughout the year.”

“The organization has members. Any person may be a county Farm Bureau member. All county Farm Bureau members have voting rights and the same access to member benefits.”

“The organizations members elect the Board of Directors.”

“Certain rights are reserved to members of the organization, including: 1) elect the Board of Directors, including the voting delegate to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, 2) adopt amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, and 3) adopt amendments to those bylaws designated as member bylaws.”

“Management reviews the documents and presents the return to all members of the governing body. Following final board approval, the return is signed by an officer and submitted to the IRS.”

“On an annual basis, all officers, directors, and key employees are required to sign a statement which affirms that they have: 1) received a copy of the conflict of interest policy, 2) read and understood the policy, 3) agreed to comply with the policy, 4) understand that the Organization is tax-exempt and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish its tax-exempt purpose. A sub-committee, comprised of non-conflicted Board of Directors, annually receives all conflict of interest information, reviews, and determines if there are conflicts of interest. The committee then reports its findings back to the Board.”

“The Organization does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, or financial statements available for public inspection. Pursuant to state law, some documents may be available to members.”

“Steve Brinkman and Cole Bruch have a family relationship.”