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 - Public Policy - The company is very active in their policy development and policy implementation activities. An opinionnaire is sent to approximately 406 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 regularly to stay in touch with lawmakers. The company 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. Many schools have tried to cut agriculture education out of the school budget, and the company has worked diligently to keep it in the schools. The company provides teachers from the local schools with information and materials to present to their classes. The company awarded scholarships. The company continues to work with the local FFA chapters to develop agriculture days for elementary students. The company sponsored a learning tent at the county fair to promote agriculture to local youth and adults, which included agricultural education presentations for all ages and hands-on exhibits explaining livestock and agricultural production. Teacher professional development opportunities are held by the company that include farm tours to local farms and agribusinesses. Monthly emails are sent to teachers throughout the county with lessons, activities, and materials available for them to utilize. Book donations are made to local classrooms, students, and libraries throughout the year.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Public Relations - The company sponsored a day at the county fair with trivia and prizes as giveaways. The company sponsored a learning tent at the fair to help promote agriculture to local youth and adults, which included agricultural education presentations for all ages and hands-on exhibits explaining livestock and agricultural production to youth. The company holds a bi-annual farm-to-table dinner where local farms and foods are featured. A county-wide cookout contest is also held annually promoting real meat and protein. Social media is utilized to promote member benefits, agricultural facts, agriculture in the classroom, and education. The company makes an annual donation to a local food pantry each year.”