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 - Ag Education - The Fayette County Farm Bureau values Agricultural Literacy. The Fayette County Farm Bureau pays for the wages of a County Outreach Coordinator. One of the main responsibilities of this individual is to conduct Ag in the Classroom programming throughout the county at local schools and libraries and positively promote agriculture and farming.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Public Relations - The Fayette County Farm Bureau hosted a public Kiddie Tractor Pull event on the opening day of the Fayette County Fair. There was a tremendous turnout with over 120 youth participating in the event. We also were able to speak to the crowd at that time and informed the public of the Fayette County Farm Bureau, their mission and their projects throughout the year.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Policy Development - The Fayette County Farm Bureau met with state and national legislators to discuss issues of importance and issues affecting agriculture. They also met with the County Supervisors and County Engineer to discuss issues affecting members and the community. The county Farm Bureau developed an opinionnaire survey for our members to acquire input on local state and national issues facing farmers. Once the results were collected a meeting open to all Fayette Farm Bureau Members was held. The issues were then discussed, and once approved policy was adopted.”

“William Baerg and Matthew Baerg have a family relationship. Mark Spies and Joni Spies have a family relationship.”