Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

“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.”

“Part III, Line 4a - Ag Education - The organizations Outreach Coordinator was able to be in 11 classrooms in a local school doing embryology units to hatch chicks. Embryology was also presented at two public libraries and an assisted living center. The board hosted the Ag Learning Center at the Franklin County Fair to promote agriculture education including showcasing livestock, animal magnet games to learn proper terms, and a honeybee exhibit. They partnered with Little Hands on the Farm to send kids to both locations to learn about livestock and grain farming at the Fair. They also supported the Pleasant Hill Dairy at the Fair. It features live milking demonstrations twice daily, where fairgoers can talk to dairy farmers and see milking in progress. The organization is a member of North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom which conducts Ag Weeks in Franklin County schools. Board members and the Outreach Coordinator participate in local library story times to share about agriculture with young children. They also support FFA chapters and presented Ag Trivia during FFA week.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Ag Promotion - The board hosted the annual Breakfast Battle during National Ag Week to promote agricultural and raise awareness for food insecurity. The groceries and funds raised were donated to local food pantries. This event was covered by the local newspaper and on local radio. Their exhibits at the Franklin County Fair tell the modern ag story to fairgoers regarding livestock, dairy, crops, and how they feed the world. The board donates to support 4-H, the Governors Steer Show, and various other organizations that support agriculture. The FCFB has an active Facebook page with more than 675 followers and regularly shares agriculture information via posts. The FCFB promotes real meat during Octobers Pork Month by giving away weekly pork bundles. Information is shared on social media on the benefits of meat in the diet.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Policy - The organization had members attend a legislative forum with legislators present to discuss policy items prior to session beginning, and they send a voting delegate to attend policy conferences to advocate for local views. The organization sends out an opinionnaire to gather input from members before setting county resolutions for the year. The resolutions are used to influence policy. They reached out to district superintendents and school officials in the area to allow the administrators to share ideas on policy issues affecting education in rural areas. Several members participate in the process to raise and prioritize issues along with other counties across the state. Board Members attend IFBF Days at the Capitol to promote policy.”

“Tanner Brass and Tara Pralle have a family relationship. Mike Borcherding and Brian Borcherding have a family relationship. Nathan Dohlman and Becky Dohlman have a family relationship. Rodney Peters and Lacey Peters have a family relationship.”