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 Board of Directors met with the County Board of Supervisors, Auditor, and Engineer to review the proposed budget and to lobby for additional funding for county rural roads and bridges. Board members engaged in public policy lobby activities on behalf of the membership. The company promoted the issue surfacing and issue prioritization process by getting grassroots members to participate through electronic surveys. Board members used member input to develop policy positions, followed by the organizations Voting Delegate representing the County Farm Bureaus policy position at the Summer Policy Adoption Conference. Volunteers met with elected officials at the state, national, and local level to promote agriculture and advocate for the advancement of issues important to members. Board members responded to call-to-action emails encouraging the advancement of member policy to their legislators. Volunteers attended a Day at the Capitol to meet lawmakers and keep member policy a priority.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Public Relations - The County Farm Bureau donated money to help support and promote the Palo Alto County Fair. They participated in a meal activity with 4-H to promote the publics involvement in agriculture organizations. They purchased livestock fair trophies and provided wood-chip bedding for all 4-H and FFA livestock project participants. To help celebrate National Agriculture Week in March, the County Farm Bureau purchased radio ads quizzing listeners on the agriculture industry. The first call-in respondent to correctly answer the multiple-choice question received a gift certificate. It is estimated that thousands of listeners were influenced by the advertising. Members sponsored and conducted the Agriculture Trivia contest during a basketball game halftime at competing schools within the county and sponsored popcorn for the school booster club. Provided truck inspection kits to the public. Sponsors FFA Alumni Tractor Ride and County 4-H Foundation.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Education - The County Farm Bureau provided in-classroom presentations to Pre-K through 4th grade students at the Emmetsburg Elementary School through their sponsorship and partnering with North Central Iowa Ag in the Classroom. The students learned about the numerous byproducts that come from corn and soybeans along with the benefits of using ethanol in motorized vehicles. Farm Chat conferences were promoted to youth, the company promoted resources and grant opportunities to local teachers. The County Farm Bureau awarded college scholarships to graduating senior students. Advertised local and state educational opportunities through print media and social media and sponsored attendees to the Young Farmer Conference to engage the next generation in leadership development. Promoted a successful Iowa Farm Bureau Take Root farm succession program in the county. Sponsored Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Camp and fire safety training with the purchase of a fire extinguisher training device.”

“Kipp Fehr and Nick Woods have a family relationship.”

“Contract labor 12723.”