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 company influenced Public Policy affecting their members. Members surfaced issues of concern to their businesses and communities, and prioritized issues raised by other members. The board distributed an opinionnaire to poll members about priority issues and reviewed the results of that poll before drafting policy statements. The companys Voting Delegate participated in a statewide conference to debate, draft policy statements, and adopt final policy positions.”

“Part III, Line 4b - Legislative Influence - The company influenced elected officials at the local, state, and national levels on behalf of their members. Their board met with county supervisors to discuss local budget priorities. Leaders met with state senators and representatives before the session to discuss legislative priorities, and during the session, both locally and at the Capitol, to emphasize positions on pending legislation. Leaders participated in meetings with members of Congress to advocate for members on national issues.”

“Part III, Line 4c - Communications/Public Relations/Education - The company promoted agriculture to its members and the general public. They partnered with ISU Extension to deliver STEM-based programming about agricultural production to grade-school students in the county. They sponsored print advertising in local publications promoting agriculture-related events and agricultural production. Members submitted content for local publications, used their personal social media platforms to promote agriculture, and appeared in media coverage. The company awarded scholarships to students pursuing agriculture-related fields of study. They financially supported, and participated in, the local county fair.”