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 Promotion - The company promoted agriculture to the general public and its members throughout the year. Our leaders promote agriculture through media outlet interviews and placing advertisements in local newspapers on agriculture topics. Funds were spent in 2024 on local activities and promotion of agriculture in the community and on public relations, social, and traditional media, to positively promote agriculture. They boosted outreach to young farmers by offering networking events throughout the year. The company promoted agriculture through sponsorship of the local programs, speaker events, media advertising, and sponsorship of the virtual shows at the county fair for the general public.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Ag Education - The company spends time educating the public and youth about Iowas agriculture and the agricultural economy. The company spent funds working with community partners to host an event in 2024 informing the non-farm public and to raise awareness of the impact of agriculture in the local economy. The Company sponsored agricultural educational programs including ag-marketing speakers, risk management, and disaster recovery programs. The company utilized staff and volunteers to educate in youth entrepreneurial education programs, ag careers, Ag in the Classroom presentations, FFA grants, and STEM programs and other classroom programs in our elementary and middle schools.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Public Policy - The company functions as a grassroots support network for engaging in public policy education and communications affecting their membership. Throughout the year, legislative town halls are hosted to advocate for agriculture. Legislative meetings and policy education sessions were hosted for members throughout the season both in-person and through virtual methods. Educational sessions were held to help our members understand issues facing agriculture today.”

“Jack Suiter and Jim Suiter have a family relationship. Doug Korte and Ashley Smith have a family relationship. Kara Van Wyk and Lauren Van Wyk have a family relationship.”