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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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 - Resources are used to invite members to engage in the policy development process. The members were invited to fill out the opinionnaire, following those results, the committee developed the proposed resolutions, which were presented at the annual meeting in July. The board hosted a pre-session meeting with legislators, attended Farm Bureau Capitol days to lobby for policy. Many board members contacted state senators and representatives on Farm Bureau policy.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Education and AITC - The company employs an Ag in the Classroom Coordinator who reached approximately 6,000 students during the school year to teach them about agriculture. A scholarship committee was formed that developed guidelines, accepted and reviewed applications, and awarded five scholarships. The company provided members children $10 towards the 4-H dues.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Public Relations - The company co-sponsored Crop Days in Waverly along with the agents. Several board members attended, and the company helped sponsor the food for the event. A sweet corn and watermelon feed was sponsored by the Farm Bureau during the local fair. A childrens Demolition Derby was also held at the Bremer County Fair. Nearly all board members participated in these activities. The organization sponsors planting and harvest radio promotions. They also utilize social media to promote Farm Bureau and agriculture. During May, in honor of Beef Month, the company sponsored four beef bundle giveaways. The public responded to a quiz of beef information to qualify for the drawing. During October, in honor of Pork Month, the company sponsored four pork giveaways. The public responded to a quiz of pork information to qualify for the drawing.”