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 - Policy - The company was active in achieving their goal of influencing public policy for the benefit of their 675 members in the county. The board of directors generated an opinionnaire in April to distribute to all members, so they have the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues that are important to their members on the local, state, and national level. These were distributed via email and U.S. Mail. 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 companys 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 and Facebook advertising throughout the year that promoted livestock and row crop production, as well as advocating for agriculture to the 6,850 residents of the county. The company hosts an appreciation meal and social gathering in July for all 675 members, with 325 attending. The company also promotes agriculture through activities it does or sponsors during the County Fair in July, reaching 6,500 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 four schools in the county, reaching 200 Pre-K through 4th grade students monthly, September through May. The company hosts an Ag Career and Safety program every September for all 4th grade students in the county, reaching 175 students. Scholarships were also awarded to three eligible high school students.”

“Dee Ann Paulsrud and Ted Paulsrud have a family relationship.”