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 850 members in the county. The board of directors generated an opinionnaire to distribute to all of their members so they could voice their views on issues that are important to their members. These were distributed via email, and paper versions were made available to members at the companys office. The results were tabulated, and policy was approved by members at their Policy Development Meeting in June and reviewed at the companys Annual Meeting 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 radio advertising throughout the year that promoted livestock and row crop production, as well as advocating for agriculture to the 16,150 residents of the county. The company hosts an appreciation meal and social gathering in December for all 850 members, with 115 attending. The company also promotes agriculture through activities it hosts and sponsors during the County Fair in September, reaching over 300,000 attendees.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Agriculture Education - The company is a strong supporter of agriculture education to people of all ages, but especially elementary students at the four public and parochial schools in the county. The company provides monthly in-person school visits plus materials and books to over 550 students in the county. Scholarships were awarded to four eligible high school students, and the company takes part in a STEM program at a middle school in the county that impacted 175 youth in grades 6 through 8. The company also develops relationships with the Spencer and Sioux Central FFA Chapter reaching an additional 95 high school youth.”

“Barb Schomaker and Casey Schomaker have a family relationship.”