Clarke County Farm Bureau

“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 - Public Policy - The company is very active in their policy development and policy implementation activities. An opinionnaire is sent to approximately 170 members each year regarding local, state, and national issues. Proposed resolutions are formulated and presented at a board meeting, and thoroughly debated and amended. Adopted resolutions are then supported by the voting delegate at the state policy conference. The companys board and members then support local and state policy by contacting representatives and lawmakers. The company hosts legislative forum meetings every month to stay in touch with lawmakers. The companys board members attend meetings held at the Capitol to support Farm Bureau policy. The company meets national representatives to discuss national issues at a regional board meeting.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Ag Education - The company is a strong supporter of agricultural education. The company has worked very hard at keeping agricultural education in the local schools and continues to invite local and state commodity groups to be a part of our educational journey. The company provides teachers at four local schools with agriculture information and material to incorporate in their classes. The company awarded four high school seniors with scholarships to further their education. The company continues to lead programs like Ag in the Park, Clarke Elementary Ag Club, Cattle Camp and 3rd Grade Field Day. Ag in the Classroom involvement is at an all-time high for school districts in Clarke County. The company also partners diligently with local FFA chapters to host Ag Day events at both schools for maximum agriculture exposure.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Public Relations - Donations were made to the following: two local FFA chapters, Mike Van Ahn Memorial Fishing Derby, the Iowa FFA Association, the Clarke County Fair, Clarke and Murray school districts and food banks in the county.”

“John Siefkas, Colton Siefkas, and Kayla Siefkas have a family relationship. Tom Carson and John Carson have a family relationship.”