Iowa Farm Bureau Federation

“Any person may be a Farm Bureau member. All Farm Bureau members have the same vote and access to member benefits.”

“The Organization's members elect the Board of Directors each year at the annual meeting. In order to hold an officer position within Farm Bureau, the member must be actively engaged in farming, which must be his/her primary interest.”

“Decisions of the governing body subject to approval by members include setting annual membership dues and nominating voting delegates to the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.”

“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 - Policy - The company was active in achieving their goal of influencing public policy for the benefit of their 840 members in the county. The board of directors generated an opinionnaire in April to distribute to all members, so they have the opportunity voice their opinions on issues that are important to their members on the local, state and national level. These were distributed via email and a paper version of the opinionnaire is available for all members to pick up at the company's office. The results were tabulated and policy was approved by members at their policy development meeting in June. These policies are then provided and reviewed at the company's annual member appreciation meal and social gathering in August.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Ag Promotion - The company promoted agriculture to members and the general public in various ways. The company purchased print, radio and Facebook advertising throughout the year that promote livestock and row crop production as well as advocating for agriculture to the 11,250 residents of the county. The company also hosts an open house in March that highlights the economic impact that agriculture has in the county to 40 business owners and community leaders. Another activity is the appreciation meal and social gathering in August for all 840 members, with 110 attending. The company also promotes agriculture through activities it does and sponsors during the County Fair in July, reaching 9,000 attendees.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Ag Education - The company is a strong supporter of agriculture education to people of all ages, but in particular elementary students in the county. The company provides materials and one full-time ag-in-the classroom coordinator to lead in-person educational sessions in 4 schools in the county, reaching 250, 2nd and 4th grade students in the county on a monthly basis, September through May. Scholarships were also awarded to 5 eligible high school students. The company also develops relationships with the 3 FFA Chapters in the county, reaching an additional 125 high school youth.”